On February 25, 2023, Don Wayne Berzett, born January 25, 1945, in Athens, Alabama, was called to his eternal home. Don—or “Papaw” as he was known to some of those who loved him most—was a devoted Christian, son, brother, and husband, as well as a father of the grandest and greatest kind. He was the kind of man who sang songs he made up and never missed an opportunity to hug your neck and tell you he loved you.
Papaw never knew idleness. His ever-increasing list of interests, which included fast cars, antiques, and cattle, was as impressive as his ability to jump headlong from one project to another. He was a member of the Army National Guard (1962-1970), a skilled carpenter, a smooth-talking salesman, and a quick-witted friend whose jokes and stories were always better than everybody else’s. You’d think his boisterous laugh could be heard all the way at Sportsman’s Park, even though he would be miles away in his wood shop, running a saw, sanding fresh-cut lumber, or putting the last coat of stain on a finished piece—all while spinning you a tale filled in equal measure with half-truths (usually signaled by the wink of a sparkling eye) and the memories of a man who really knew what it meant to a have a life well-lived.
Don is survived by his loving wife of fifty-three years, Patricia Montgomery Berzett; his brother, Larry Berzett (Pam); sister, Susan Burchell (Greg); sister-in-law, Dianne Berzett; four children: Bethany Smith (Greg), Don Berzett II (Nichole), Lezlie Rutherford (Edward), and Ron Berzett; seven grandchildren: Matthew Smith (Hannah), Madison Rutherford, Dustin Berzett (Alyssa), Zach Berzett, Alex Bailey (Kendall), Abigail Weaver (Christopher), and Krislynn Elrod; and three great-grandchildren: Dash, Noel, and Levi.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Fred Erdie “Shorty” Berzett and Mary Edith Berzett, and his brother, Morris Berzett.
The family asks that in memory of Don, you cook a large dinner, have your family over, tell some stories, make a few jokes, and most importantly, remind one another of the love you all share.
The Memorial service is scheduled for February 28th, 2023 at O’Neal Church of Christ 1:00pm with Brother Guy McDaniel officiating.
