Donald George Gariepy

Reidsville

Donald George Gariepy, age 68, passed away on October 15, 2017 after a yearlong battle with Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. Donald was born on September 21, 1949 in Fort Lee Virginia to the late George & Denta Gariepy.  He spent his early years traveling with his parents, both Army veterans, before settling in his family's native Tattnall County. He was Catholic by christening and agnostic by reasoning.  Don held a Master’s of Science Degree from Valdosta State University and spent his career in law enforcement. He retired from Rogers State Prison in Reidsville as a corrections counselor in 1999. After retiring, he continued to teach Sociology & Criminal Justice courses until he became ill in 2010. The nearly 30 years he spent in law enforcement and corrections gave him anxiety as well as a deep and abiding hatred for career criminals and the fashions born out of their respective correctional institutions. As a father and lifelong Georgia Bulldogs fan, he was adamant that his daughters avoid jails, junkies, criminals, deadbeats, beauty pageants, and the Florida Gators. He instilled a love for history, meaningful discussions and inappropriate humor in his three daughters. He knew every road, county & high school football team in Georgia. His sharp and humorous wit, his grit and his cheer will be cherished and woefully missed by his family and those lucky enough to have known him.

He married his wife of 46 years, Jennifer, in February of 1971 and is survived by her as well as his three daughters, Marolyn Gariepy Olson of Chippewa Falls, WI; Heather Gariepy McCoy of Ailey, GA; and Hannah Gariepy of Reidsville, GA; four grandchildren: Susan, Jacob, Valerie & Michael, and three fur children: Sparky, Greta & Little Son.

A visitation for Don will be held from 6:00pm-8:00pm on Thursday, October 19, 2017 at the funeral home.  Graveside service will be conducted at 11:00am Friday, October 20, 2017 at Reidsville City Cemetery. We invite you to join us in celebration of Don - who did things his way cometh Hell or the high waters, and we wouldn't have had it any other way.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to South Georgia College Alumni Association, The Best Friends Animal Society or The ASPCA.

Low Country Cremation and Burial is serving the Gariepy family.