Donald "Donny" Lee Barton

Donald Lee Barton, 73, of Gray, Tennessee finished his race on Tuesday January 2, 2024.

Donald was born to Leonard Earl “Jack” Barton and Ruth Wilhelmina Reeves-Barton on March 8, 1950, in Hawthorne, California. Donald met the love of his life Margaret Jean “Jeannie” Barton in 1973 and married March 18, 1974, they remained married until Jeannie’s passing February 8, 2022.

Donald was known to many as, Donny, Don, B’ster, Donny B, B-dog and recently as Oldman. The number of nicknames he had correlates the impact he made in everyone’s life. Donald never met a stranger and instantly became fast friends or family. He was always willing to jump in and help anyone with anything. Donald was a hard worker and a wonderful family man; he started his Drag racing legacy in 1971 and passed this on to not only his son Todd but also his grandson Troy. He also encouraged and helped numerous others in pursuit of their Drag racing dreams.

Donald is survived by his son Todd R. Barton (45), his grandson Troy A. Barton (14), daughter-in-law Martha E. Barton (42), older brother Robert W. Barton (80), sister-in-law Judy Reeves and many close friends and extended family. His memory and legacy will continue to live on through all who were blessed to have known him.

A visitation for family and friends will be held on Friday February 2, 2024, from 5pm-7pm at the Morris-Baker Funeral Home located at 2001 E. Oakland Ave., Johnson City, TN 37601. A memorial service officiated by Chaplain Rich Trimmer of Racers for Christ will immediately follow the visitation. For those unable to join us in person there will be a link provided for a live feed.

Clownin’ Around since 1971.