Donald Eugene Mauldin

Don graduated from Greenville High School, Furman University, and Southern Seminary. In 1956, he married Carolyn Reese, and after graduation from seminary, they moved to Clinton, South Carolina, where he served as Minister of Education at First Baptist Church, Clinton. He later served at First Baptist Church in Lancaster, South Carolina. In 1966, the family moved to Nashville, Tennessee, where Don served as Minister of Education at Woodmont Baptist Church. He later served as Associate Director of Missions for the Nashville Baptist Association; however, he would spend most of his career at the Tennessee Baptist Convention, working in Discipleship Training. One of the highlights of his work was leading an annual Senior Adult Conference in Pigeon Forge.

He was an active member and deacon at Forest Hills Baptist Church. He and Carolyn participated in numerous mission trips, but perhaps their greatest joy was working with Tennessee Disaster Relief teams. They made multiple trips to the Gulf to participate in rebuilds after Hurricane Katrina. Don could handle a chainsaw well in to his 70s. For several decades, Don spent four weeks each summer working at church camps, and because he was a kid at heart, he served with enthusiasm and joy.

Don was predeceased by Carolyn, his wife of 60 years and his parents, John and Iva Mauldin as well as his older brothers, John Carlyle and James Asbury, World War II veterans and his lifelong heroes.

He is survived by his daughters and their families, Karen Hornbeak (Tim), and Lillian Purdy (Luke). He is also survived by his grandsons, Jay Purdy, Jack Hornbeak, and Matthew Hornbeak, and 11 nieces and nephews. He is also survived by his dear friends, Mike and Tommy and his much loved rescued cat Fiona.

Even when he was in pain, he was kind and cheerful. He made his daughters laugh with his quirky humor, and in his typical style, he still comforts them with wonderful memories.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Mission Fund at Forest Hills Baptist Church, 2101 Old Hickory Blvd., Nashville, Tennessee 37215 or Nashville Rescue Mission 639 Lafayette Street, Nashville, Tennessee 37203.

Pallbearers will be Don’s sons-in-law, his grandsons, and his nephews. Honorary pallbearers will be Don’s Sunday School class.

The funeral will be held on June 24, 2021, at 11:00 Forest Hills Baptist Church in Nashville. Visitation will take place from 9:00-11:00 before the service. Internment will be at Woodlawn Cemetery, and Don’s remains will be placed next to his wife Carolyn.