Donald H. McPhail

Funeral services for Don H. McPhail will be conducted at 11:00 AM Wednesday morning, April 3, 2024, at Carson Baptist Church with interment following in the Carson Cemetery.  Brother Benji Sessums will officiate, assisted by Brother Randy Easterling.  Mr. McPhail, age 81, entered into the eternal rest of his Lord Thursday evening, March 28, 2024, at the Merit Health-Wesley Medical Center in Hattiesburg.  Saulters Moore Funeral Home has been entrusted with arrangements.
The family will receive friends Wednesday morning, April 3, beginning at 9:00 AM until the hour of service at 11:00 AM Carson Baptist Church.

Mr. McPhail will be carried to his final rest by Michael McPhail, Brandon Grubbs, Kadyn McPhail, Zane Aultman, Christopher Walker, Neal Walker, Kinlee Istrie, Kerry Easterling and Kaleb Easterling.  Honorary Pallbearers include David McPhail, Ricky Barrett, Danville McPhail and Dustin Gilbert.

Donald Hollins McPhail was born on Easter Sunday, April 5, 1942, in Jefferson Davis County to Byron and Nelda Branton McPhail. He attended school at Carson and then would go on to marry the love of his life, Nita Yates McPhail.  The happy couple would enjoy 60 years of marriage and to this union would be born 4 children and a host of extended family members.  Don began his career as a small engine mechanic at an early age when he went to work for Smitty Smith's Fix It Shop in Columbia.  From there, he would hone his skills and work for several other shops including Terry's Small Engine Repair in Columbia and D & W Fix It Shop in Carson. It was through his hard work and dedication that his reputation as an excellent mechanic preceded him and it was well known that "Don could fix anything". In addition, he also worked for the New Hebron Cable Company in New Hebron, Paces Wood Yard in Prentiss and the Prentiss Chainsaw Company in Prentiss.  

Don McPhail’s name is synonymous with race cars.  Many people will remember the "glory days" of the old Carson Speedway where are families could go out for a night of competitive racing, complete with concessions and plenty of excitement!    Don loved to recall the days when he thrilled the crowds as he raced his beloved "4+4 Ramblin' Duck”.  In addition, he also drove the "00" for Thad and Orlis Shivers and the "327" for Dale and JC Shoemake.  
 "Mr. Don", as he was affectionately known by the many that loved him, was known for his jolly personality, quick wit and humor; his absence will be felt and his passing mourned by many.  He was a member of Carson Baptist Church.
 In addition to his parents, Mr. McPhail is preceded in death by his beloved wife, Nita McPhail; brother, Billy Lavelle McPhail and his sister, Sharon McPhail Easterling.
 His memory will forever be cherished by his daughter, Karen Easterling Orange (Jack) of Mt. Olive; his sons, Greg McPhail (Tabitha), Kendall McPhail of Prentiss, Donald Scott McPhail (Pepper) of Monticello; brother, Harlos McPhail (Janie) and sister, Carolyn Bryant (Wayne) both of Prentiss.  The legacy of their Papa Mac will also live on through his 15 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren.
 Online condolences and a guest registry are available at www.saultersmoorefuneralhome.com