Donald Ray Kernodle, Sr.

Donald Ray Kernodle, Sr., a loving father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, passed away on July 25, 2025 at his residence. Born in Humboldt, Tennessee on December 12, 1956, Donald was a man of many talents and interests. He was a skilled truck driver, spending the majority of his career at Climer Paving before his retirement. Donald was a talented guitarist and a passionate lover of classic cars, particularly his beloved Nova. He also had a fondness for the outdoors, spending his free time hunting for arrowheads, riding side by sides, dirt bikes, and participating in motocross and NHRA drag racing.

Donald was a man who truly knew the meaning of family. To quote the words of Andre Maurois, "Without a family, man, alone in the world, trembles with the cold." Donald’s family was his warmth, the center of his universe, the most important thing in his life. He was a dedicated and loving father to his sons, Donald Kernodle Jr. (Shelley) and David Kernodle, a caring brother to his sisters Judy Harris and Melody Price (Cliff), and a doting grandfather to Dakota and Cooper Kernodle. He also had the joy of becoming a great-grandfather to Dylan Kernodle. Donald was widowed, having lost his beloved wife, Joanna Kernodle, and was also preceded in death by his parents, Richard and Betty Kernodle.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, July 30, 2025 from 11:00am until 1:00pm at Ronk Funeral Home, 106 South Bells Street, Alamo, Tennessee, 38001. The funeral service will follow at the same location at 1:00pm. Burial will follow in Cox Chapel Cemetery.

Donald's life was a testament to the power of love, talent, and dedication. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him. We encourage everyone who knew Donald to leave memories and upload photos to his memorial page, as a way to remember and celebrate the life of this extraordinary man.