Harry Donald Ariail, 71, of Waco, passed away May 15th after a courageous battle against cancer. Services will be at 4pm Tuesday, May, 20, 2008 at Lake Shore Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Mike Ariail officiating. Burial will follow with full military honors in Bosqueville Cemetery. Visitation will be 6 to 8pm Monday at Lake Shore Funeral Home, 5201 Steinbeck Bend, Waco. A Video Life Tribute will be shown at the visitation and service. Thoughts and memories may be shared in the online Guest Book at www.LakeShoreFuneralHome.com.
Don was preceded in death by his father, Harry Randall Ariail, and his brother, John Ariail.
He is survived by Judy, his loving wife of 49 years; son, Terry Ariail and wife Mellony; daughter, Michelle Ariail Hobbs; two grandsons, Jason Hobbs and Jacob Ariail; granddaughter, Sydney Ariail; mother, Gladys Prickett Smith; brother James Ariail; many nieces and nephews; sisters-in-law; and friends.
Don was born June 4,1936 in Wellington, Alabama. He proudly served in the United States Army for 20 years. He was praised often during his service for his unrelenting loyalty, perseverance, and leadership. Among many recommendations and commendations he received during his military career, his family is most proud of the Bronze Star he received during his first tour in the Vietnam War.
Don later worked for Baylor University for many years where he developed life long friendships. And while there he earned the deep respect of Dr. Sloan and his colleagues.
After retirement, Don enjoyed gardening and spending time in his shop wood working, designing and building unique furniture, and building special toys for his grandkids. Friends and family enjoyed Don’s many attributes such as drawing, creative problem-solving, dancing, and his love of music.
He left his footprint on the world and his presence will be missed by all whose lives he touched.
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My thoughts and prayers are with you guys during this time of loss. I am sure Don and Dad are in heaven talking about the old days in the Army. Don was a very sweet man and will be missed very very much.
I love you grandpa
I am so sorry for your loss. I met him while he was here to vist his mother Gladys and he was a very nice man.I am sorry for Gladys and the family.You are in my thoughts and prayers.May God Bess You!
Dear Terry and family. Our sincerest condolences to you all. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your families during this difficult time. We love you
Michelle,
You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers.
I have nothing but fond memories of Don. He was almost my dad by the way. He loved to tell me stories of my dad (Earl White) and him in the Army. Dad introduced Judy and Don. Mom (Carol White) and Judy were cousins. Dad and Don evidently had some wild times in the Army but it took the two cousins to tame the guys.
I know dad and Don are having a blast in heaven together, laughing and telling Army stories…
We love you guys so much please don’t be sad for his passing rejoice because he is in a better place, and he is not alone..
Love you always,
Geneva Gross
Harold and Donald went into the Army together and was assigned to the same Co. and we went to Alexandria to school together. Our love to the family.
I am so sorry for the loss of your loved one. I grew in the same community with the Airial Family. I often think about everyone. May God keep his loving hand upon you. Our prayers are with you.
I know one of his hobbies states he was a woodworker but if you’ve ever seen what he could build with his hands or watched him on the dance floor, you’d know that he was a true artitist at heart.
Don will be missed by many but never forgotten. My love and deepest sympathies to you all.
Sincerely,
Kelly
I wish I wasn’t so far away so that I could be there to say goodbye to Uncle Don. My favorite memory of him (and you too, Judy) is at my brother Scott’s wedding in Oregon. Don and Judy were the most stylish couple there, and were a joy to watch on the dance floor.
With love from Kiley, Bruce, and Vivian.
I am a friend of Gladys Prickett Smith..I had met Donald where his Mom (Gladys) lives.I send my condolences to all the family..Gladys is very upset & I am sorry for her & all the family..I know he will be missed..God bless you all!!
Terry & Family,
I just want to say that our thoughts and prayers are with you. may God bless you and your family during this time of sorrow.
Terry and Mellony our thoughts and prayers are with you. We love you both.
Terry and Mellony, Jacob and Sydney: Our prayers are with you at this difficult time of your life. We love you all.
Terry and family, we are so sorry for your loss. You are in our thoughts and prayers.