Obituary of Donald Joe Whitworth

Donald Joe Whitworth was born February 10, 1952, in McMinnville, TN, to Joe Edward and Ruth Evelyn (Brock) Whitworth. He grew up in Quebeck, TN, and was drafted into the US Army out of high school at the age of 17, December 11th, 1970. He served as a paratrooper and Green Beret during the Vietnam Conflict, receiving numerous medals. While stationed at Ft. Hood he met Elena Marez, and they were married December 18, 1976. He was discharged from the Army on December 12th, 1976. He was a man everyone loved, he had no enemies. He loved his grandchildren and family and would take his car on a drive to nowhere, to stop and look at the wildflowers. He was a proud American, devoted to his country and helped many Veterans. He lit up everyones world. His motto was, "Everyday is a Holiday"! He was preceded in death by a sister, Laura Evelyn Whitworth. He is survived by his wife, Elena Whitworth of Abernathy, TX, 2 daughters, Nikki Ayala of Killeen, TX and Christi Whitworth of Ashville, NC, a son, Tommy Whitworth of Sparta, TN, step-mother, Claudine "Meme" Whitworth, 4 grandchildren, Devyn, Izaya, Andrew and Will, 3 brothers, Jim, Tom and Eddie Whitworth and a sister Nickie Whitworth, all of Tennessee. Viewing will be held Saturday, July 23rd, 2016 at Abell Funeral Home until 6:30 pm, followed by the local VFW providing Military Honors at 7:00 pm, on the lawn of Abell Funeral Home. Services and cremation are under the direction of Abell Funeral Home & Flower Shop of Abernathy, TX.