Donald (Don) Jackson Leming, 95, of Madison, passed away on Saturday, August 17, 2024. He was born on July 10, 1929, in Rome, Georgia. He was the son of the late Clyde Ray Leming and Grace Jackson Leming Mull.

A quiet, unassuming man, Don possessed a strong work ethic. He started young; his first job was winding the clock on the Rome Clock Tower before it was mechanized. A World War II era Navy veteran, Don (age 15) paid Dr. Cooper to write a false birth certificate so he could enlist. He attended cotton grading school in Memphis in the 1950's and bought cotton throughout the Southeast. In 1960 he began his 31-year career with Schwerman Trucking Company - first as a truck driver, later as plant manager, and finally as safety supervisor specializing in chemical spills. Don enjoyed telling stories about airport construction projects (Atlanta, Denver, Houston, Dallas Fort Worth) and highway constructions jobs (I-20, I-285). In his 80's he became the Morgan County High School parking lot monitor where he enjoyed giving Tootsie Roll Pops to students. He took pride in doing each job well with enthusiasm, and he could fix anything with his Swiss Army knife.

Devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, uncle, and friend, Don valued people, especially his family. He took pride in each one's accomplishments. Concerned that everyone be respected, he advised men on how to treat women, and he had a special fondness for animals and the elderly. He delighted in teasing and pranking the grandchildren. Everyone will miss his mischievous grin and his corny jokes.

Always recognizable in his railroad cap, he was a genuine southern gentleman ready to assist anyone in need without expecting anything in return. Led by strong ethics, he took appropriate action in difficult situations. In the blizzard of 1993, he braved dangerous roads to rescue friends. His can-do attitude always prevailed.

Mr. Leming is preceded in death by his parents; sisters Bonnie Bedford, Thelma Byrd, and Ruby Yarbrough; brother Hoyt Leming; and daughter-in-law Erin Little Miranda.

Mr. Leming is survived by wife Patricia Netrick Leming;  son Dennis Michael Leming (Debbie); daughter Donna Watford (John); step-sons Christopher Miranda and William James Miranda (Aimee); grandchildren Sean Watford (Elizabeth); Jennifer Watford (Justin Turner); and Dorothy (Zachary Swanner), Gene, Mary, Jacob, Alexander, Catherine, Thomas, Laura, Patrick, Jackson, Amelia, Andrew, and Callistus Miranda; great grandson Charlie Watford; sister-in-law Martha Leming; and many nieces and nephews.

A private, family graveside service for Mr. Don Leming will be held in Northview Cemetery.  Rev. Wayne Benefield will officiate; Mrs. Donna Watford will give the eulogy.

The following gentlemen will serve as pallbearers: Alexander Miranda, Christopher Miranda, Jacob Miranda, William Miranda, Justin Turner, John Watford, and Sean Watford.

In lieu of flowers the family requests memorial contributions be made to The Caring Place Food Bank, 1140 Monticello Road, Suite 400, Madison, Georgia 30650.

Messages of condolence can be made to the family by visiting our website and signing the online guestbook at gammagefh.com.

The Olin L. Gammage and Sons Funeral Home is honored to be entrusted in the services for Mr. Donald "Don" Jackson Leming.