Sidney Don Gillenwater, 74, Ft. Blackmore, VA was called home to Jesus on Wednesday, April 16, 2026. He took his last breath at JC Medical Center with his loving wife and son by his side.

Don retired from SCTC after 28 years of dedicated service. Prior to that, he worked as a mechanic with Jim’s Motorcycles during the 1970s. He was a hardworking man who loved spending time in his garage, especially working alongside his son, Aaron. Together they shared many projects and built countless cherished memories. They also enjoyed riding motorcycles together from taking long trips to just cruising around town and catching some backroads. Don loved his family, friends and neighbors. He was so kind and would help anyone he could. Don was a very smart and gentle natured man; if he could give the shirt off his back, he would.

In addition to his parents, Sidney R. and Helen Lawson Gillenwater, Don was preceded in death by two sisters, Donna Brickey and Aretta Hill, and a niece, Tina Anderson.

Left to cherish his memory are his beloved wife of 46 years, Debbie Gillenwater; his #1 son, Aaron (Monteia) Gillenwater; his cherished granddaughter, “Papaw’s girl,” Cali Bay Gillenwater; his niece, Julia Williams; along with several other nieces, nephews and cousins; his cherished aunts and uncles, James (Sue) Lawson and Otis (Mina) Lawson; and aunt, Laura Muse. He is also survived by his beloved cats, Ota and Squeaky.

The family will receive friends on Tuesday, April 21, 2026, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., at the Gate City Funeral Home. Funeral service will be conducted at 1 pm in the Gene Falin Memorial Chapel of the funeral home with Wayne Stallard and Don Archer officiating.

Burial will follow the service at the Lawson Cemetery, Ft. Blackmore, VA. Family and friends will serve as pallbearers.

An online guest register is available for the Gillenwater family at www.gatecityfunerals.com.

Gate City Funeral Home is honored to be serving the family of Sidney Don Gillenwater.