Donald Lewis Brizendine, age 80, passed away peacefully on November 7, 2022 at his home in Bastian, VA.  He was the son of the late Woodrow and Edith Dunn Brizendine.  Donnie was born in Bastian in 1942 and was a lifelong resident of Bland County where he attended Rocky Gap High School, lettering in baseball and basketball.

Don was employed at Roanoke Fashions Group immediately after high school before joining GTE in Bluefield, WV where he worked in telecommunications as a manager until his retirement in 1993.  In retirement, Dad enjoyed his farm and could always be found working on projects, building fence or upgrading facilities.  An incredibly self-reliant, determined and skilled craftsman, he was a jack-of-many-trades. In addition to his carpentry and mechanical abilities, he was an excellent cook and enjoyed preparing meals for his family. An avid sportsman, he shared his lifelong love of competitive sports and nature with his sons.  He enjoyed gardening, baseball, basketball, softball, golf, fishing, foraging, hunting, shooting sports, and just being active and outdoors.  He also enjoyed his canine companions throughout life, whether it was the black and tan hounds, beagles, or later, Buddy and Mackey.  He was an avid and accomplished golfer and golf fan for most of his life, watching PGA tour events even after he could no longer tee it up himself.

Don was a member of the Bastian Church of God, where he faithfully served his Lord and Savior.

When Donald's parents died in their fifties, he took his younger brother, Barry into his house and served as both brother and guardian, raising him alongside his sons.  Don is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 43 years, Renia Compton Brizendine; his sons, Tony Brizendine (Laora), Rob Brizendine (Linda) and Michael Conley; two brothers, Harold Dean Brizendine (Carolyn) and Barry Brizendine; and two sisters, Judy Puckett and Brenda Porter.  PawPaw (Pa Dine) is also survived by his grandchildren, Courtney, Lauren, Katie, Morgan and Connor.  He loved and adored his great-grandchildren, Raegan, Landon, Camryn and Hayden. PapaDon is also survived by Alex and Daisy Conley.

The family would like to express our sincere thanks to the many people who blessed our family over the past few weeks.  We are especially appreciative of Amy Brown with Wythe Hospice and special friend, Beth Edwards for their care, kindness and compassion.  Per Don's wishes, there will be no public service.  In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made to the nonprofit Faith for Hayden to promote education, awareness and research for Schaaf-Yang Syndrome ( https://faithforhayden.org/ ).  Highland Bland Funeral Chapel, Bland, VA is serving the Brizendine family.