Don was born in Bainbridge, Georgia; he grew up fishing and hunting in and around Lake Seminole. When he graduated from high school in 1967, the United States was fully engaged in the war in Southeast Asia. Don immediately joined the U.S. Navy and served as a Gunners Mate aboard the USS Perry, a destroyer based out of Mayport, Florida. The ship and its crew served many tours of duty including one to Vietnam in 1969.
With his service to our country completed in 1971, Don found his way into the world of broadcasting and worked at various Radio and TV stations around the southeast. He retired in July 2008 but continues to be involved in many charitable endeavors and civic activities.
Don has MC’d the Buckmasters Classic and had the honor of being the “voice” of the Bassmasters Classic for over 20 years; including many years of introducing Ray Scott, the founder of B.A.S.S. to thousands of bass fishing fanatics. Ray asked Don to accompany him to an entertainment trip for our men and women in uniform serving in the Middle East. Don eagerly accepted and prior to Thanksgiving 2004, he joined Ray for a send off by none other than President George W. Bush in the Oval Office.
Don, who now lives on 45 acres in Elmore County, is a former private pilot and sport parachutist; however, these days you’ll find him either shooting clays, fishing, or hunting throughout the local area.
Ray Scott said, “Don has been a personal friend for many years and I know I can always count on him. We enjoyed lots of laughs and tears on our Ray Scott Iraq Thanksgiving Tour 2004 and Don and I agree, it was truly one of the highlights of our lives.
