Donald Ray Jamison

He will be remembered as a gentle and giving father and grandfather who loved trains, strumming the guitar, and a good Elvis Presley ballad.

Born in Roanoke, Va., on Aug. 22, 1938 to Dennis and Katherine Jamison, Don graduated from Jefferson High School in 1957.

He then attended the Technical Institute of the College of William and Mary (then in Norfolk, Va.,) where he earned his diploma in electronics technology.

Don worked for WTVR-TV 6 in the late 1960’s and early 1970’s. After that, he was a successful business owner with the Virginia Department for the Visually Impaired’s Stand Program for 29 years.

After retiring, he enjoyed traveling the world to faraway places and learning about their rich histories and unique cultures.

Throughout his life, Don was fiercely independent despite his visual impairment and - whether by design or not – he passed on many life lessons to those who loved him.

Like how to persevere in the face of adversity; how to lend a hand to someone struggling; and how to love without judgement or asking for anything in return.

We will miss his quirky, offbeat humor; his appreciation for life’s simple pleasures like Little Debbie snack cakes; and the look of sheer joy on his face when he rode his scooter a little too fast.

Don is survived by his daughter Tena (Gary) Lee; granddaughters Lauren and Katie Lee; his brothers Joel (Carroll) Jamison, Tim (Robin) Jamison and Thomas Stanley; his sisters Rita (Ron) Martin and Reba Campbell; and a host of nieces and nephews.

Per his request, he will be buried alongside his father in the shadow of the Blue Ridge Mountains. His family will hold a private graveside gathering at Mountain View Memorial Park on June 14.