Donald F. Tummons
It is with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of Donald F. Tummons, on Friday, Nov. 25, 2022, at the age of 68. He was a man of great faith and knew he would be cradled in the arms of God at his time. His family was surrounding him as he peacefully passed into his eternal home.
Don grew up in Saranac Lake with his parents and four siblings. There he loved skiing, fishing and the outdoor life. As a teenager he worked at Betty’s Restaurant. Don graduated from Saranac Lake High School in 1972. He went on to graduate from Hudson Valley Community College and began his life-long career as a respiratory therapist. He married his soulmate, Carol Hansen, in 1975. The couple lived in the Albany area for a short time and then moved to Cleveland, Ohio where Don worked for the renowned Cleveland Clinic. Don and his family later relocated to Plantation, Florida, and then finally, to McCormick, South Carolina. Don worked the last 16 years, until his passing, at Augusta University Health in Augusta, Georgia where he specialized in caring for adult cystic fibrosis patients. He loved what he did and those he worked with.
He had many interests and talents. Besides cooking at church for functions, Don performed in the church theater group and worked closely with the pastors where he felt the call of God deepened his spiritual life. He went on the walk to Emmaus and served on several teams helping others on their journey. Wherever the family moved to, Don got involved: more recently with Green Curtains theater group, church drama directing, Caf Du Don in church, Community Chorus, hand bell ringing and choir directing. He also was a Stephen Minister and filled in, on occasion, preaching for the pastor. Don’s life was full, and his outreach was wide.
He was preceded in death by his parents Henry and Theresa (LaBrake) Tummons and his sister, Irene Tummons. He is survived by his loving spouse of 47 years, Carol Tummons of McCormick; one daughter, Joselyn (Mike) Leraaen of Middleburg, Florida; one son, Christopher (Savannah) Tummons of Des Moines, Iowa; and two grandchildren, Aryanna and Marcus Leraaen; his siblings, Patricia (David) Mitchell of Naples, Florida; Bruce (Pam) Tummons of Naples, Florida; Sandra (John) Gagnon of Saranac Lake and several nieces and nephews. He is also survived by seven fur babies.
A Celebration of Life service is planned for Saturday, Jan. 7, 2023 at 11 a.m. at the McCormick United Methodist Church in McCormick, South Carolina. For those unable to attend the service, it will be live streamed at www.mccormickumc.org.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the GA Cancer Center, the McCormick UMC kitchen, or the McCormick UMC music fund in care of the Rees Funeral Home, 195 N Peachtree St., Lincolnton, GA.
You may sign the family’s online guestbook at: www.reesfuneralhome.net.