Donald (Don) Ellis Vaughn Jr. died peacefully at his home in Fernandina Beach, Florida on February 9, 2019 at the age of 72. He valiantly battled gastro-intestinal illnesses over many years and ultimately succumbed to the toil.

He is survived by his wife Cynthia M. Vaughn of Fernandina Beach; his daughter Nicole Vaughn, granddaughters, Jessica Bond and Alexis Bond all of Decatur, AL; step children Dawn Landau of Atlanta, GA, Kevin Burt of Nashville, TN and Johnnie Christian of Decatur, AL; step-grandsons Robert Landau of Atlanta, GA and Michael Christian of Florence, AL; siblings James Vaughn of Savannah, GA, Greg Vaughn of Decherd, TN, and Deborah Vaughn of Nashville, TN as well as multiple nieces, nephews and extended family members. He is preceded in death by his parents Roberta and Donald E. Vaughn Sr. of Estill Springs, TN.

Don was born on January 29, 1947 in Akron, OH. The family moved to TN in 1962, the state he called home. He graduated from Tullahoma High School in 1965 and attended UT Martin in Pulaski, TN. His daughter Nicole was born in Nashville, TN in 1976 and was the apple of his eye.

Don built a career at Rock-Tenn Corp, starting in a maintenance role and eventually moving to Dallas, TX as the General Manager of their box manufacturing plant Waxahachie, TX. After leaving Texas and moving to Amelia Island, Florida, Don retired in 2012. In retirement he enjoyed �porch-sitting� with his wife, grilling on his Big Green Egg, frequent chats with his daughter, following his grandchildren on Facebook, helping his step-children with their businesses, making jewelry, woodworking and entertaining his dog and constant companion, Delila. In the final years of her life, Don called his mother once, sometimes twice daily. He was a devoted family man until his final days.

Don was a faithful man of God and contributed to many charitable causes. He lived a full and generous life, always offering patience and kind words of encouragement to his family, friends and neighbors. He will be greatly missed and never forgotten.

A Celebration of Life is planned in his beloved state of Tennessee in April.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the American Cancer Society.