On Thursday, August 24, 2017, Donelson "Don" Wardlaw transitioned from his earthly home to his heavenly home to be with the Lord. Don was born on May 7, 1947 in Columbus, GA.  He was the son of the late Charley Erwin Wardlaw, Sr. and Alvina Nunley Wardlaw Lyles.  He was the loving husband of Edith Napier Wardlaw.

Don graduated from Spencer High School in Columbus, GA and attended other educational institutions through the years. He joined the U.S. Army and was a Vietnam Veteran. Later Don worked with the U.S. Marshall Service and the D.C. Department of Corrections in Washington D.C.

Don converted to Catholicism at an early age and in 1997 was baptized and joined the White Rock Baptist Church, Arrington, Virginia. He was a loving and caring individual who did whatever he could to help others. Seniors, children and youth had a special place in his heart and he would always reach out to ensure all their needs were met.

Uncle Cade "Cade Nappier" re-introduced Don and Edith in 1991 and they married in October 1997. Don was a man of many talents.  He was an expert chef and avid sportsman.  He believed in family and supported his children and grandchildren in their activities.  His home was a place where people were always welcomed and he frequently hosted large gatherings and ensured that you left with something when departing.  Don was a diehard Washington Redskins fan.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded on the journey to glory by his step-father, Thomas Lyles, and his brothers, Charley Wardlaw and Larry Joiner. He leaves to cherish his memories his devoted wife, Edith Napier Wardlaw, of Arrington, VA; his beloved mother-in-law, Esther C. Napier, who loved him without qualifications; daughters, Carmen, Munich Germany, Marsha, Madison Heights, VA, Erica (Joseph) and Tiffani (Larry) Gainesville, VA, Sinya, Oxon Hill, MD; sons, Donelson "Donnie" in Sweden, Shaun (Crystal), Charlottesville, VA, Michael, Arrington, VA and Christopher (Margaret), Esmont, VA; Don had eleven grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; two sisters, Barbara Seldon, Bowie, MD and Zelphia Lyles, Clearwater, FL; one sister-in-law, Emma Nappier Wardlaw; aunts, Margaret Henderson, Lois Napier and Barbara Napier and a host of in-laws, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Don touched a lot of people during his life in a positive manner. He was a good husband, loving father, caring grandfather and friend who will remain in our hearts forever.  He was a man of a few words, but a lot of love.

A funeral service will be held 2:00 PM Saturday, September 2, 2017 at White Baptist Church, Arrington with Rev. Howard Grooms, Jr., officiating. The interment will be in the church cemetery.  The family will receive friends one hour prior to the funeral service.  Condolences may be sent to www.Davis-Turner.com .  Service of comfort rendered by Davis-Turner Funeral Service.