It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Donald Lentz “Gator” Galbreath, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather, on February 17, 2025, at the age of 87. He transitioned to God’s eternal life surrounded by his family at his home. He was a dedicated retired lineman for CPWS and a cherished resident of the Culleoka Community.
Don was known for his wittiness and story-telling abilities to fill the room with laughter, all mostly aimed at his “Darling Bride”, Ernestine Galbreath. He was the cornerstone of our family for strength, courage, kindness, and honesty. He loved his family, farming and fishing. His unwavering love for his family is his legacy that will continue to grow in our hearts. His last few years he spent traveling to the Grand Canyon and several trips to the beach but he loved most sitting on the front porch, in his rocking chair, watching God’s creations along with his Grands playing in the yard. Don was a proud United States Navy Veteran, a 32nd Degree Mason, lifetime member of Pleasant Grove Lodge # 138, and a member of Al Menah Shriners Hospital. He was a member of Scribner’s Mill Church of Christ.
He is survived by his wife of 66 years, Mary Ernestine Roberts Galbreath; children, Pam Galbreath, Kim (Wendell) Ketchum, Lawanda Galbreath; 6 grandchildren, Bryant “Bubba” (Samantha) Galbreath, Courtney (Cal) Clark, Chris (Carly) Carrington, Hunter (Nicole) Ketchum, Colby Mitchell, and Brokk Norman; 6 great-grandchildren, Cutler Clark, Callyn Clark, Crew Clark, Harris Galbreath, Katherine Galbreath, and Jack Carrington.
He was preceded in death by his son, Ronny Galbreath; parents, Floyd Galbreath and Pauline Paul Galbreath; and sisters, Elaine Morrow and Linda Baird.
Funeral services will be conducted Sunday, February 23, 2025 at 2:00 PM at Oakes & Nichols Funeral Home with Ricky Clay officiating. Burial will follow at Rose Hill Cemetery with military honors provided by the Herbert Griffin American Legion Post 19. The family will visit with friends Saturday, February 22, 2025 from 4:00 PM till 7:00 PM with a Masonic Service to follow at 7:00 PM, and on Sunday from 1:00 PM till the time of service at Oakes & Nichols Funeral Home.
The family suggest memorials may be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude’s Place, Memphis, TN 38105; or to Rose Hill Cemetery, P.O. Box 1511 Columbia, TN 38402. Online condolences may be extended at their website.
Active pallbearers will be his grandsons Bryant Galbreath, Chris Carrington, Hunter Ketchum, Colby Mitchell, Brokk Norman, and Cal Clark. Honorary pallbearers will include past and present employees of Columbia Power & Water System.
This obituary was published by Oakes & Nichols Funeral Directors.
This obituary was published by Obituaries provided free for the community.
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