Obituary of Donald Byrd Sublett

Donald “Don” Byrd Sublett, 74 of Bedford, went to his heavenly home Sunday, January 3, 2021 at Runk and Pratt in Forest. He had been a resident there since October 2019 due to Parkinson’s and Dementia. He was born on July 27, 1946 in Bedford, Virginia. He was the son of the late Elton and Mildred McGhee Sublett. He served in the United States Navy for 4 years. He was proud to be an American and serve his country in the Navy. Don graduated from Staunton River High School in 1964 as the first graduating class. He graduated from Ferrum College and Phillips Business College with degrees in Business Management and Accounting. He retired from Dodson Brothers Exterminating Company as Vice President of Operations after 32 years of employment. He was a dedicated and loyal employee who loved the people who worked for him. After retirement, he drove a school bus for Bedford County Public Schools for three years. He also worked at Central Virginia Community College as a Security Guard for nine years. He was a member of Mentow Baptist Church. He loved farming with his father on family land, riding horses, watching NASCAR and go-kart racing, and going on vacations to Gatlinburg, TN. He is survived by his wife of 50 years, Connie Wheeler Sublett; daughters Angela Perry and husband, Dean of Bedford, Chere` Witt and husband, Randy of Bedford, and Kimberly French and husband, Jeff of Montvale; grandchildren, Chelsey Mitchell and husband Ethan of Evington, Dustin Nichols of Bedford, Nicholas Perry of Greenville, NC, Alexis Perry of Bedford, and Blake French of Montvale; three great grandchildren, Savannah, Lucas, and Seth Mitchell; sister Debra Graham and husband, David of Fincastle. Due to COVID concerns with the immediate family, visitation and services will be postponed. Arrangements are being handled by Updike Funeral Home and Cremation Service, Bedford.