James Donald Quayle passed from this life early morning January 8, 2021.
Visitation will be held at Azleland Cemetery on Tuesday, January 19, 2021, beginning at 1:00 PM followed by a Graveside Service at 2:00 PM.
Don, as he was known to friends and family, was born to James William and Mary Delicia Quayle on May 15, 1939 in Fort Worth, Texas. He grew up in River Oaks and graduated from Northside High School in 1957. Don worked briefly at General Dynamics before attending school for piano tuning where he discovered he possessed a natural talent for tuning by ear. He received high accolades upon graduation and garnered much respect throughout his career for his abilities. Music played a significant role in Don’s life. His talent at playing the piano and guitar by ear, quickly picking up new instruments, and singing led him to great acclaim with family, friends, and local musicians. Later in life, he returned to performing and organized multiple bands that played at various community functions, though his favorite musical activity was merely “jamming” with his fellow musicians. Don was quite the local historian and enjoyed regaling stories of days gone by from the River Oaks and Northside areas. He was the consummate storyteller and his “gift of gab” was one of his most endearing qualities. He never met a stranger and could find common ground and conversation with anyone he encountered. Don loved his children and grandchildren fiercely. He was both the strict disciplinarian and the over-indulgent father at times. Never did his children doubt his complete support and unconditional love and he spent his days up until the end imparting his life lessons to all who would listen.
Don was preceded in death by his parents, James and Mary Quayle and his sister, Judy Gordon.
Don is survived by his beloved wife of 40 years, Sandra Quayle, his children - Angela Hurtt and husband Larry, Jeff Quayle, David Quayle and wife Becky, Pam Irwin, and Richard Mason. Grandchildren - Jordan Flores, Brennan Quayle, Jessica Hurtt, Holly Mason, Michael Mason, and William Irwin and numerous nieces, cousins, and extended family, as well as a host of friends.
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