The memorial service for Troy's Dothan campus vice Chancellor was held last Saturday in Claudia Crosby Theater
Troy University celebrated the life of Don Jeffrey, former Vice Chancellor of Troy University’s Dothan campus, last Saturday in the Claudia Crosby Theater. Jeffrey passed away at the age of 78 after serving as Vice Chancellor for 14 years.
Jeffrey also served as the chair of the Department of Kinesiology and Health Promotion, dean of the College of Health and Human Services and director of aquatics, coaching Troy’s very first swim team.
Furthermore, he served as the interim dean of the College of Education, College of Arts and Sciences and College of Communication and Fine Arts.
Chancellor Jack Hawkins Jr. expressed his gratitude for Jeffrey’s dedication to Troy University.
“He certainly was a servant leader,” Hawkins said. “He had a ‘can do’ attitude, and his influence in academics and student life of the university was just enormous.
“He was a man of integrity, a man of his word and left a big footprint for the sense of service he was renowned for.”
Jeffrey received a bachelor’s degree, master’s degree and Ph.D. all in sports management. He also served his country in the Army, Navy and Air Force.
“He certainly was somewhat a father to our sports management program,” Hawkins said. “He had the nickname of ‘tank.’ and he deserved it because he truly was a tank in getting it done.
“Don Jeffrey was a man who lived by the highest standards and was incredibly committed to the mission.”
Hawkins emphasized the servant heart Jeffrey had and how he was always ready to serve others. He shared how Jeffrey’s life greatly aligned with scripture.
“I don't think you can lead if you can't serve,” Hawkins said. “It's written in the book of Matthew, ‘I came not to be served but to serve,’ and he really lived that.
“Through the 46 years of Don’s service at Troy, he influenced thousands, and I don’t think there’s a greater testimony.”
A family member of Jeffrey’s who attended the celebration recalled some of his favorite moments they shared.
“Some of the best memories I have to remember Don were the times he and his brothers would get together and recall stories of their childhood,” the family member said.
“They all grew up with very little, but they all made something of themselves.
Jeffrey left a huge legacy, but there was one thing in particular this family member praised Jeffrey for always doing.
“With the pursuance of whatever dream you have, doesn’t matter what it is, he was always there to help you attain it,” the family member said.
“If you had a dream, Don would help you achieve it, and if you didn't have a dream, he’d help you find it.”
Reverend Greggory Aman, a close friend of Jeffrey,
attended Wallace College with Jeffrey. Aman was grateful their friendship remained strong until the end.
“He was so caring and a joy to be around,” Aman said. “In those early days, we were having a lot of fun together and maintained our friendship through the years.
“The value of a friend is one of the greatest treasures God gives us in life. A true and valued friend is the way I felt about Don and the way I believe he felt about me.”
Aman shared what he hoped everyone who attended the celebration of life took away from the service.
“I hope their faith is increased and their memories were cherished,” Aman said.
“I hope comfort was given in his passing because it is a time of grief but also a time of celebration and joy in knowing that the accomplishments in his life are not even close to what he’s experiencing now as he enters into the kingdom.
“Always value and maintain the friendships of people who come in your contact and never take them for granted because time is short.”
Don Jeffrey impacted the lives of so many and left an incredible legacy amongst those who were fortunate enough to know him.
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