Don Sheeley

It is with deep sorrow that Mrs. Phyllis Yvette Dickert Sheeley and her family announce the death of her beloved husband, Mr. Donald Robert Sheeley, 85. 

Mr. Sheeley entered into rest on Thursday, May 7, 2026. The Directors of Whitaker Funeral Home are caring for the family in Newberry, SC, and the Directors of Brown-Pennington-Atkins Funeral Home & Crematory are caring for the family in Hartsville, SC.

 A private family graveside service to honor his life will be held at Pomaria Cemetery, Pomaria, SC, with The Rev. Michele Fischer officiating. A celebration of his life will be announced.

 In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in his honor to Ducks Unlimited, One Waterfowl Way, Memphis, TN 38120, or The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research, P.O. Box 5014, Hagerstown, MD 21741, or Pomaria Lutheran Church, P.O. Box 246, Pomaria, SC 29126. 

Mr. Sheeley was born on Monday, July 22, 1940, in Columbia, SC. He is the son of the late Ernest Wightman Sheeley and the late Marie Wiggers Sheeley. He was married to his beloved wife, Phyllis D. Sheeley, for nearly 63 years.

 Don was blessed with an idyllic childhood, growing up within a short distance of both sets of grandparents, whose love and guidance helped shape the strong foundation he carried throughout his life. He attended Pomaria Grammar School and later Newberry High School, where he served as president of the student body. He continued his education at Clemson University, majoring in Chemical Engineering. 

In 1962, Don began his career with Sonoco, where he became manager of the Paper Complex and helped establish many operational and safety standards within the division. Under his leadership, his operations team earned numerous company and industry safety awards. He also proudly served for six years with the McEntire Air National Guard in Eastover, SC. 

Don was a charter member of Our Shepherd Lutheran Church of Hartsville, where he served on the church council and faithfully supported many areas of church life and service. 

He had a deep love for the outdoors and was an avid wildlife enthusiast. One of his greatest joys was rabbit hunting with his beloved beagles throughout the Pee Dee region of South Carolina. He also enjoyed fishing, hunting, gardening, and spending time outdoors, whether inland or by the ocean. Don also loved to dance, especially shagging, which always brought a smile to his face. He enjoyed woodworking and took great pride in creating beautiful pieces for his family -- treasured keepsakes that will be enjoyed for generations to come. Above all, Don treasured family gatherings and the time spent with those he loved. 

He is survived by his loving wife, Phyllis Dickert Sheeley; sons, Regan Robert Sheeley, MD of Asheville, NC, and Thad Wightman Sheeley of Rocky Mount, NC; and his daughter, Donna Sheeley Eaddy (Scott) of Mt. Pleasant, SC; brother, Edward Sheeley, PhD (Kathy) of Valdosta, GA; grandchildren, Harlan Eaddy of Mt. Pleasant SC, and Grant Eaddy of Mt. Pleasant, SC; nephew, Jesse Sheeley of Valdosta, GA; niece, Janet Dierstein of Virginia Beach, VA.