A Life Story

Clyo – Donald Carlyle "Don" Exley, Sr., 64, passed away March 4, 2025 surrounded by his loving family.The Effingham County native graduated high school at Woodward Academy in College Park, GA where he met the love of his life. Don was a 1983 graduate of The University of Georgia, member of the UGA Alumni Association, and proud member of the Georgia Bulldog Club. He was the 3rd generation owner/partner of Exley Lumber Company, a Master Timber Harvester, member of the Southeastern Lumber Manufacturers Association, member of the Alpha Kappa Psi, and lifetime member of the NRA. He was a longtime member of the Springfield Oaks Church. He was preceded in death by his father, J.W. Exley, Jr.; his mother, Carolyn Neidlinger Exley Seckinger; step-father, Rev. Earl Seckinger; and his in-laws, Eugene Parks and Ellen Babb Ellison.Survivors include his beloved wife, Suellen Ellison Exley; children, Donald Carlyle Exley, Jr. "Chip" Exley (Hunter), Emmaline Buckley (Matt), and Miles Exley (Amanda); grandchildren, Hudson, Wyatt, Jameson, Declan, Lilah, and Nolan; brother, J.W. Exley, III "Bill" (Sue); sister, Vicki Ellingson (Mike); his sisters-in-law, Nancy Coulon (Danny), Teri Holland (Greg), and Holly Copeland (Tripp); several aunts and uncles; and numerous nieces and nephews.Don was a fun-loving husband, father, grandfather "Dandy", and friend who will be dearly missed by everyone who knew him.A special thanks to the countless Doctors and Nurses who provided excellent care over the last four years.Visitation will be 2:00 p.m. to 3:45 p.m. Sunday, March 9, 2025 at Springfield Oaks Church followed by a memorial service at 4:00 p.m. with Rev. Ken Morgan and Rev. Ben Martin officiating. Honorary pallbearers will be the mill employees.Remembrances may be given to Nancy N. and J.C. Lewis Cancer and Research Pavilion, 225 Candler Drive, Savannah, GA 31405 or the Winship Cancer Institute, 1762 Clifton Road, Ste. 2400, Atlanta, GA 30322.