Dr. Don Edward Dailey

at home. He was a man who loved God, his family and friends, and life. Don was born on February 5,

1955~ in Oakland, California. His family moved to Alabama when he was ten years old. He was married to

Deborah (Debbie) Brewton Dailey in 1989. His beloved children are son, Don Edward Dailey, Jr. and

daughter, Lauren Danielle Dailey (Steven, his most loved son-in-law), all of Huntsville. The joys of his life

were his granddaughter Lyra and grandson Alcott. Don was preceded in death by his parents, Bob and

Clara Dailey, and his brother, Robert Dailey.

Don graduated from Banks High School and then received bachelor's and master's degrees from the

University of Alabama. He earned his Ph.D. from Vanderbilt University. He and Debbie spent their lives

together in Birmingham, Northern Virginia, Lexington, Virginia, and Doylestown, Pennsylvania. They

loved the places and people they encountered along the way.

Don was a wonderful husband, father, and grandfather. He always made married life fun and

interesting. He wrote sweet love poems to Debbie and gave of himself with abandon. As a father, his

children say they knew that he was always there for them. They are proud of the work that he did

throughout his life to improve education for children. He has provided love and support throughout

their lives. He welcomed his son-in-law into the family and became a father to him. But Don's greatest joys over the last ten years was his grandchildren. His granddaughter says he always taught her kindness and she loved his silliness, he could always make her laugh. His grandson thinks he was the best storyteller and loved their walks together.

His home library grew every year. His reading interests were varied and he loved learning. His love of

music stretched across genres. He especially loved old-time music and even taught himself to play both

the fiddle and the mandolin! Don enjoyed hiking and camping with his friends. He was often seen

walking the hills in the neighborhood with a heavy backpack and his walking sticks, as he prepared for

their next camping adventure.

Don had a brilliant mind which was apparent to anyone with whom he engaged in conversation. But

most importantly, he lived his life as a reflection of his love for God. He reflected so many Christ-like

qualities, but most people would say that his most obvious characteristic was kindness. He shared the

kindness of Christ with everyone. He served as a Stephen's Minister and that was a natural place of

service for him. He will be missed, but the love he shared will stay with us all forever.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made to either Alabama State Parks or United Ability.

A visitation for Don will be held Wednesday, October 13, 2021 from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM at Trinity United Methodist, 1400 Oxmoor Rd., Homewood, AL 35209. A celebration of life will occur Wednesday, October 13, 2021 at 12:00 PM at Trinity United Methodist Church, 1400 Oxmoor Rd., Homewood, AL 35209. A committal service will occur Wednesday, October 13, 2021 at Elmwood Cemetery & Mausoleum, 600 Martin Luther King Jr Dr, Birmingham, AL 35211. The celebration of life service will be livestreamed on Elmwood Chapel's Facebook page. Go to https://www.facebook.com/RidoutsElmwood and like the page to be notified when the service begins.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.johnsridoutselmwoodchapel.com for the Dailey family.