Donald Eugene Frizzell

Don was born on June 18, 1948, in Montgomery, AL. He served in Vietnam on Vung Ro Mountain as a microwave repairman and sharp shooter as part of the Army RA Sig C 459th Signal Battalion. He was an instructor at the US Army Calibration School where he taught basic/advance solid state electronics. He received the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Two Overseas Bars, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal with 60 device and Rifle M-14 and M-16.

After Vietnam, he worked with the State of Alabama Highway Department as a Traffic Signal Technician. He then went on to work with Southern Company Services for 44 years. He started with operating and maintaining the Telecommunications system and taught the in-house training program for technicians. He also installed several UPS systems and battery chargers as well as provided analysis, solutions and maintenance for the UPS/Battery Emergency Power Systems, Power Management System and the Power Coordination Center. He repaired batteries on cell towers, microwave towers, installed fiber optic lines, digital and analog services. He was granted 6 patents on behalf of Southern Company to use on circuits and technical issues.

Don loved to read. He was a photographer on the side. Taking pictures of weddings, birthday parties and the beautiful scenery out West. He travelled with his brother, Jim, for 35 years to NHRA races, taking pictures where he had some of the biggest wrecks published in National Dragster, Hot Rod, Car Craft and Super Stock magazines. He was also an Amateur Ham Radio Operator. After retiring his hobby became visiting the casinos in Biloxi and Las Vegas with his gambling buddies.

Common sayings you always heard from him was - Work Smarter Not Harder, It Comes with the Territory, Just Go With It, Whatever – It is what it is and of course Dealer’s Choice. Whenever he was asked which arm he wanted the blood taken from he would always say Dealer’s choice. He always had a positive outlook even through all the health issues.

A big thank you to his best friend, neighbor and gambling buddy Leon Vetrano for keeping an eye on him, setting him straight when he needed it, treating him like a part of your family. He always considered you family and oh how he loved Marianne’s fudge.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Curtis and Evelyn Frizzell, and his brother, James Frizzell. He is survived by his sister-in-law, Carole Frizzell, Montgomery, AL, and nieces, Kathryn Perdue, Montgomery, AL, and Bonnie Kelly (Steve), Montgomery, AL, great niece, Marilyn Musick, Wetumpka, AL, and great nephews, Chris Musick, Daphne, AL, and Garrett Kelly, Montgomery, AL.

Visitation will be held on Monday, April 14, 2025 at 10:00 a.m. at Southern Heritage Funeral Home in Pelham, AL. Following the visitation, a graveside service will be held at Hills Chapel Cemetery in Grady, AL at 2:30 p.m.

Pallbearers: Mike Kendrach, Ralph Jordan, Mark Cook, Mark Woodward and Steve Kelly. Honorary Pallbearer: Leon Vetrano.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Wounded Warrior Project or to Tunnel to Towers Foundation.