Don Salyers Obituary

Don R. Salyers

September 27, 1937 -

February 15, 2025

Don R. Salyers, 87, joined Christ in his eternal home on Saturday, February 15, 2025. Don was born on Sept. 27, 1937, in Wise VA to Edward and Macie McNeil Salyers. He was the oldest of 5 children.

He was preceded in death by his beloved father and mother; youngest brother, Johnny and granddaughter, Haley D. Clark.

Don grew up in Wise, VA and graduated from J.J. Kelly High School; afterward, joined the U.S. Air Force where he served 4 years. He was stationed in Frankfort, Germany – a land he grew to love. He earned an honorable discharge and returned to Wise, where he became employed at Appalachian Construction Company, building a new road from Grundy to Dismal River. He later worked for Stamack Mining Company as a heavy equipment operator until employed by the Department of Labor as a Federal Mine Inspector, Supervisor. He remained there until his retirement.

While working on the new road, Don met a lovely young woman, Ruby Potter, from Grundy VA. They were married in June 1961 and remained each other's true love for the rest of their lives.

Don gave his life to Christ at the age of 17. He strived to love and serve Jesus wholeheartedly, and he instilled this love in his children. His goal was to continue the Christian legacy he had received.

Don loved people. He pursued energetic conversation about God, politics, and coal mining. He was a Deacon and Sunday School Superintendent at Pleasant View Baptist Church in Kingsport TN. He loved his church family and rarely missed a service.

Don is now in heaven with his Lord and Savior. He is survived by his faithful wife of 64 years, Ruby; 4 children: Kimberly Salyers Coffey and husband Gary, Kecia Salyers, Kelli Collins, and Keith Salyers and wife LeeAnn; 4 grandchildren, Joshua Adam Collins, Jessica Coffey Miller (John), Madison Rose Salyers and Kaia Lauren Salyers; 4 great-grandchildren, Cayden Duke, Carson Miller, Vivianne Greenwood and Malakai Jordan; brother, James E. Salyers; 2 sisters, Betty Bishop and Wanda Lawson; sisters-in-law; Ruby Potter and Jenny Salyers; numerous nieces and nephews, all of whom he loved dearly.

I Thessalonians 4:13 "But we do not sorrow as ones who have no hope".

The family will receive friends at Pleasant View Baptist Church from 11:00 am-12:45 pm Tuesday, February 18th. The Funeral Service will follow at 1:00 pm with Pastor Wayne Baker & Rev. Jimmy Tipton officiating. An Entombment Committal Service will follow at Powell Valley Memorial Gardens Chapel, Big Stone Gap, VA. Pallbearers will be Todd Salyers, Tim Salyers, Travis Salyers, Jeffrey