Threadgill remembered as strong part of community

Choctaw County Chancery Clerk Don Threadgill passed away, Sept. 14, 2009 at the age of 56.

Don served as the Chancery clerk for past14 years and was serving in his fourth term as Chancery clerk at the time of is death. Before being elected to Chancery clerk, Don successfully owned and operated Don's Auto Parts in Ackerman for 16 years. But, more than that, Don was a devoted Christian, family man, friend and servant to the community.

He served as a board member of Magnolia Bible College and attended Ackerman Church of Christ, where he held the position of Church Elder.

Don's friend Coyt Hunt described Don's devotion to the church.

"Don loved God first and was a faithful member of the Ackerman Church of Christ where he served as an elder. I mean he served not just attended. If our preacher needed to be out of town for some reason he would prepare a sermon and preach like it was his fulltime job. He taught a Sunday school class and helped with any kind of work that needed doing from Bible School Puppet to construction on the building. He was a leader in the truest sense of the word. He led by example," said Coyt Hunt.

Don cared about all people in the community and tried to help everyone he could.

"He was caring and compassionate not just for the members of the church but for anyone in the community that was hurting because of the death of a loved one or sickness. He shared their grief and pain and was willing to do anything in his power to offer them comfort or relief. He also had a gift of knowing just what to say and just how to say it for the best effect," said Coyt.

One of Don's hobbies was collecting and restoring antique cars. He was a member of the Choctaw County Cruisers. Coyt remembers always hearing stories from Don about trips the club took.

"Don made many friends in the parts business and just loved cars and parts. He was never able to completely give it up so he made it his hobby and restored and showed cars in his spare time. I know he really enjoyed the time spent on the trips with the members of the car club because when he returned he just had to tell all about it. You could tell by the excitement in which he told the stories of the occasional mishap on the trips that he truly had an enjoyable time," said Coyt.

Most people remember Don's sunny attitude, great smile and his devotion to his faith, family and Choctaw County.

Chris Theadgill, one of Don's sons, said he didn't realize until recently that his father had baptized his daughter, Lauren, and his brother, Jeremy. Chris said he knows that that is a big deal to both Lauren and Jeremy.

Don tried to make everyone's day better and always offered a smile.

"He lived everyday like it was his last and made the most of it. He greeted everyone with a smile and an attitude that said what can I do for you to make your day better. He enjoyed going to work and being of service to the good citizens of Choctaw County," said Coyt.

Pete Odom described Don as an honest, family man that he respected and trusted.

"He was like a father figure to me. I am honored he was in my life as long as he was," said Pete.

Pete had known Don since 1985 when he started working for him at the parts store.

"He took me under his wing when I didn't know anything about the parts business," said Pete.

Don and Pete would later become business partners owning the parts store until Don was elected Chancery clerk in 1995.

The Choctaw County Board of Supervisors remembers Don as a great servant to the county and a wonderful friend.

"Don was a very valuable person in the way we run the county. He took great pride in his job and his family. Our hearts to out to the loved ones he left behind. He was a good friend. We will truly miss him," said Archie Collins, District 1 supervisor.

Larry McClain, District 2 supervisor, said Don took pride in his work and "done it expertly."

"We lost a friend, not just a colleague," said McClain.

Chris McIntire, District 3 supervisor, said Don was devoted to the people of Choctaw County and the Board of Supervisors. He said two of the many projects that Don helped with and was proud of were installing the elevator and handicapped parking at the Courthouse.

"During his time in office the county has seen a huge transformation in fire service," said Chris. With Don's leadership, Choctaw County has only one fire truck that is out of the 15-year limit.

Chris said commented on Don's leadership and accounting abilities.

"His excellent leadership with our finances helped to ensure that our county is debt free. Not many counties can say that."

Thomas Higgins, District 4 supervisor, said Don meant a lot to the Board of Supervisors.

He was a very important figure in our county. We will always cherish the time we had with him. We appreciate what he did for us. We will always love him and his family for what they mean to the county," said Thomas.

Eric Chambers, District 5 supervisor, remembers when Don and his family moved to Choctaw County and how Don held himself to a higher standard in life.

"I had the honor and privilege to have known and been friends with Don since he moved to Choctaw County in 1979 with Jeannie and two little boys. That was 30 years ago and during that time we've done business together, worked in county government together and best of all, shared a lot of laughs together. High moral and ethical standards are hard to find in any realm of government these days. However, Don held himself to a higher standard and expected more from himself. I think that most of his motivation came from the fact that he was a Christian and loved lived his life in that manner. He helped me in my work and my life to hold myself to that higher standard," said Eric.

Diane Pyron said the day Don died, "our life changed forever." She was a friend of Don's, went to church together and worked together at the Courthouse.

"We saw each other six days a week and if there was a car show, seven days a week," said Diane.

Peggy Miller, Circuit clerk, remembers Don's dedication to do the best job he could.

"I worked with Don for the last 13 1/2 years. He was the first one at the office each day and never seemed to run out of steam. He would go full speed ahead all day long. He loved Choctaw County and will truly be missed," said Peggy.

Jeanith Burdine said she always knew when Don was in the Courthouse because he had a voice that carried throughout the office. In her year working with Don at the Courthouse, she said she has seen many people come to talk to Don. She said some were of county business and others were just to get advice from Don on whatever their situation may be. He was the type of person to stop what he was doing and listen to whatever you needed.

Alan Bates, with Choctaw County Economic Development, said he never saw Don without a smile on his face. Alan remembers Don's good humor, always willing to help and being a good Christian man.

"I could depend on him, whether it be last minute to introduce a speaker, or helping with whatever I needed," said Alan.

He said he and people in the community will miss Don for many different reasons and miss seeing him at the Courthouse.