Donald "Don" James Tisdale

Donald “Don” Tisdale, 82, entered into eternal rest. His final sunset was on July 27th, 2024, surrounded by his family. Don was born February 15th, 1942, in Niagara Falls NY to Audrey and Robert Tisdale. Don graduated high school and joined the Navy where he served for 4 years in active duty and 2 years in the reserve. He met his 1st wife of forty years, Isola Ann Tisdale, and adopted her 4 children; Rick, Kim, Jim, and Robin. He worked for NASA where he found his love for elevators. He founded Suncoast Elevator Inspections of FL and later expanded into SC.

His memory will forever be cherished by his wife Mildred “Sam” Tisdale, his 4 children; Richard “Rick” Tisdale, Kimberly “Kim” Soto (Ron), James “Jim” Tisdale (Dana), and Robin Whittle.

Grandchildren; Melody (Josh) Port, Summer Dawn Orazietti, Brittany Soto, Alexis Soto, Kristen (Robby) Allen, Ali (Hadley) Everett, Ashley Walker, Aaron (Ally) Reese, Donald (Elisa) Rish, Cody (Shannon) Rish, Crystal Rish, Bailey Whittle, Hailey (Mason) Klimek.

Great-grandchildren; Brayden Tisdale, Asher Soto, Paislee Allen, Hadley Everett, Hendrix Everett, Blake Walker, Weston Walker, Tommy Reese, Isla Reese, Brianna (Bobby) Chavis, Brenna Kirkland, Shyanne Rish; and a number of nieces and nephews.

Don married Mildred “Sam” Tisdale in May 2012, where they shared a home with their fur babies Dusty and Walter. They enjoyed going on cruises and spending time with family. He extended his family when he gained Sams 4 children; Rhonda, Robby, Brad, and Scott; grandchildren; Michelle (Travis) Fowler, Franklin Cogburn III (Brittany), Paige (Richard) McBeth, Kristine Cogburn, Samuel Hawkins; and (6) great grandchildren.

He is proceeded in death by his parents, Robert and Audrey Tisdale; 1st wife, Isola Ann Tisdale, sister, Roberta “Butch” Baron, and son-in-Law, Mack Whittle.

Don was an avid coin collector who also enjoyed boating and hunting (with a camera). Don was a Lifetime Mason, member of the Wagener Cedar Lodge #184 and later became a member of the Shriners. He was also a member of Wagener Methodist Church. Don's family was his greatest accomplishment, and he instilled the love for family into his children and into the generations to follow.

Visitation will be 4pm – 5pm on Thursday, August 1, 2024 at the chapel of Blizzard Funeral Home. Graveside Service will be at 5:30 pm at Perry Baptist Church Cemetery with Military Honors.

The Tisdale family wishes to express their deepest appreciation to Kerri, Deanna, Kristen, and the rest of the staff at Pruitt Hospice for the care given to Mr. Don and their family. 

“A heart of gold stopped beating. Two shining eyes at rest. God broke our hearts to prove he only takes the best.”

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Donald "Don" James Tisdale, please visit our floral store.