05/06/2025 Funeral services for Don Shilling, 81, of Knoxville, will be held Tuesday, May 12, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at the Pierschbacher Funeral Home in Knoxville. A luncheon will be held following the service for a time of fellowship. Interment will be at the Greenwood Cemetery.
Visitation will be held Monday, May 11th, from 4:00 until 6:00 p.m. at the Pierschbacher Funeral Home in Knoxville. Feel free to wear your Hawkeye or Race attire to the services in honor of Don’s love for both.
Memorials may be made to the Marion County Humane Society, National Sprint Car Hall of Fame, or to the Family.
Donald Ray Shilling passed away May 6, 2026, in Knoxville, at the age of 81 years, 7 months, and 10 days. Don was born on September 26, 1944, in Knoxville, to Raymond and Thurlene (Agan) Shilling. He attended school in Knoxville and was very active in sports, having a passion for football.
He graduated with the class of 1963. Don was connected to Knoxville throughout his life, devoting many years of hard work to the City of Knoxville Street Department. His commitment and reliability reflected his values and pride in his community.
Don was married to Nancy Findley in 1963 and to this union two daughters were born: Kelley Jo and Lori Kay. They were later divorced.
On December 19, 1986, Don was united in marriage to Linda Jones, they later welcomed a son, Kyle Robert. He was a loving grandfather to Stefanie, Scottie, Blaine, Brooke, Kasey, and Zander.
His love extended into the next generation as well, as he was blessed to know his great-grandchildren: Taylor, Reed, Vivian, and Fitz. His family was his greatest joy, and he treasured the relationships he shared with each of them.
He remained active in athletics throughout his life. Playing slow pitch softball and co-ed volleyball for many years. Don enthusiastically rooted for the Hawkeyes, rarely missing games and always sharing his passion with those closest to him.
He loved sprint car racing, even though in his later years he couldn’t attend in person, he would listen to the radio broadcast on his headset.
Don’s passion for sports and life left a lasting impact on all who knew him. Don and his son-in-law, Kent, both played football for Ralph Capitani, Ralph once told Kent, “You may be good (as Kent was All-State) but Donnie was better and hit harder. He was a 5’7” missile!” Don was a legend!
Don left a lasting impression on all his family and friends. He lived life to the fullest, even after being diagnosed with MS in 1993, and having a stroke in 2019, Don remained full of life, positive, and never complained. His passion for life will be carried on in all his loved ones.
Don is survived by his wife, Linda Shilling; children: Kelley (Larry) Hall, Lori (Kent) Chrisman, and Kyle (Tina) Shilling; grandchildren: Stefanie Ethell, Scottie Ethell, Blaine (Lexi) Chrisman, Brooke (Cody Stierwalt) Chrisman, Kasey Freeland, and Zander Shilling; great grandchildren: Taylor Ethell, Reed Ethell, Fitz Derby, and Vivian Chrisman; brother, Tom (Sue) Shilling; mother-in-law, Bev Jones; and many nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends.
Preceding Don in death were his parents: Raymond and Thurlene Shilling; sister, Nancy Turner; brothers: Gary Shilling and Richard Shilling; nephews: Corey Shilling, Rodney Shilling, Rick Shilling, and Jeff Shilling; and niece, Kristie Norton.