Mr. Donald Ray “Don” London, age 79, of White, Georgia, and formerly of Dalton, Georgia, departed this life Tuesday, September 22, 2026, at his home, surrounded by his loving family.

Don was born April 2, 1947, in Bowling Green, Kentucky, a son of the late James Willard and Mary Jeanette Robinson London. He was also preceded in death by his first wife, Phyllis Kelley London; his brother, Jerry London; mother-in-law, Syble Timms Smith; sisters-in-law, Diane James, Cynthia London, and Patricia London; and his nephew, David Kelley.

Don was a man who never seemed to meet a stranger. He had a larger-than-life personality, a warm and outgoing spirit, and a genuine love for people. He loved life and believed in enjoying it, whether that meant traveling, spending time with family and friends, or talking about the things that brought him joy.

Among Don’s greatest passions were old cars, especially Corvettes. He loved collecting cars and could talk about them with enthusiasm and excitement. His appreciation for automobiles was more than a hobby—it was simply another reflection of his love for life and his enjoyment of the things that made him happy.

Don was also a hardworking man and was the owner of Ingles Carpets for many years. He took pride in his work and in providing for those he loved. Yet, perhaps one of the greatest things about Don was his giving heart. He was generous with his time, his resources, his laughter, and his love. If someone he cared about needed something, Don was the kind of man who wanted to help.

Don knew the heartache of losing his first wife, Phyllis, but in time, God blessed his life with love once again. He found that love in Cathy, and together they shared ten very happy years. Their life together was filled with love, companionship, laughter, family, and countless memories. They were looking forward to celebrating their tenth wedding anniversary on December 30, 2026. The love they shared was a treasured gift, and Cathy will forever cherish the years they were given together.

Don loved his family deeply. He enjoyed being surrounded by those he loved and took great joy in the lives of his children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, brothers, nieces, nephews, and extended family. His presence brought energy and laughter to a room, and his generous spirit touched many lives. He will be remembered not only for the things he accomplished, but for the love he gave, the friendships he made, the laughter he shared, and the memories he created with those around him.

Don attended Cross Pointe Church and will be remembered by all who knew him as a man who lived life fully, loved his family fiercely, and gave freely of himself to others.

Don is survived by his loving wife, Cathy Rudeseal London, of the residence; children, LaDonna London, Amanda and Anthony Fleming, Steve and Lisa Morris, Jason and Tiffany Beavers, Traci Franklin and Zach Ward, Desiree and Mike Rhoten, Dustin and Keri Rudeseal, Kelly and Chris Agan, and Erin and David Long; brothers, James London, Terry and Debbie London, and Michael London; father-in-law, Ronnie Smith; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Gary and Patty Kelley, Glenda Barry, A.J. James, Jimmy Mulkey, Nancy and George Shropshire, and Connie and Wayne Richardson; several grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews.

Don leaves behind a family who will miss his laughter, his generosity, his stories, his unmistakable personality, and the love he so freely gave. Though his chair may now be empty and his voice no longer heard, the memories he created and the lives he touched will continue to speak of the remarkable man he was.

Services to celebrate the life of Mr. Donald Ray “Don” London will be held Tuesday, September 29, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. at Ponders Melrose Chapel with Brother Chris Agan officiating. He will be laid to rest at Ponders Whitfield Memorial Gardens with David Long, Dustin Rudaseal, Anthony Fleming, Noah Long, Levi Banks, Aiden Fleming, and Braden Fleming honored to serve as pallbearers.

The family will receive friends at Ponders Melrose Chapel after 1:00 p.m. Tuesday until the service hour.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Ponders Melrose Chapel, 138 Melrose Drive, Dalton, Georgia 30721, (706) 226-4002. “Your Selected Independent Funeral Home.”