of Rose Bud, AR
August 25, 1966 - July 29, 2022
Lindley Don Ellison, 55, of Rose Bud, passed away on July 29, 2022, after a long battle with cancer. He was born August 25, 1966, to parents, Lindley & Elva Ellison in Dallas, Texas. Lindley graduated from W.W. Samuel High School, Dallas, Texas in 1984. Big Don was the booming voice behind the mic at every off-road event across the country. From monster trucks to barbie Jeep's & even once on the Amazing Race! He was the definition of life of the party! His goal in life was to always make people laugh & have a good time. That man didn't have a serious bone in his body. He was a jack of all trades from managing telecommunications & concrete companies, to having gyms & eventually creating a legendary career in the racing world from scratch & becoming a renowned promoter & announcer. His love for racing started at an early age & was his passion all throughout his life. He loved spending time with family & friends but honestly didn't meet a stranger and even if you didn't know him you always left with a Big Don story. He fought the most optimistic 4-year cancer battle most people have ever seen, he is now healed & truly ''LIVING THE DREAM'' with his lord & savior in heaven.
He will be lovingly remembered by his wife, Calli Ellison of 6 years. Don is survived by his daughter, Shelbi Craig & husband Kaleb; his wonderful grandkids, Braylin & Blitz Craig; parents, Lindley and Elva Ellison; sister, Casondra Lanning; nephew, Dakota Lanning; niece, Ashlee & John Keech & their children Sadie & Isiah Keech.
He was predeceased by Cleo & Mary Ellison & Margie Barfield, Earl Kincaid, and Floyd & Ruby Taylor, who have previously passed on.
A Celebration of Life service will be 2:00pm, Saturday, August 20, 2022, at Rose Bud First Baptist Church, Rose Bud, Arkansas.
A Celebration of Life service will be 4:00pm, Saturday, August 27, 2022 at the Texas Motorplex Champions Club in Ennis, Texas.
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41 Condolence(s)
Sissie Boyd Taylor
Tuesday, August 23, 2022
Doris hoskins
Thursday, August 18, 2022
So sorry about don
Bart & Celia Selman
Friday, August 12, 2022
Don was a wonderful person. He was good for so many people. Our son Dean enjoyed playing with him. We moved from Mesquite to Garland. The boys grew away from each other, but when our son passed away he came to help us.If he hadn’t been there to talk about our Dean and him as kids. I know our family couldn’t of made it. God Bless you Little Don.
Shepherd family
Friday, August 5, 2022
Our family is so sorry for your loss but also glad that Don is in a better place and out of pain. He was a fun guy , always full of life and excitement. Our girls still talk about things he did while you all were in Tulsa!
God bless you Calli!
Jeff and Michelle Ensslin
Friday, August 5, 2022
Big Don will truly be missed all though we only talked a few times at the track while racing with Pdra he was bright and vibrant and full of energy our prayers and condolences to his family and cali
Prayers Jeff and Michelle Ensslin
Tina Kelly
Thursday, August 4, 2022
I am so sad to hear this news. I worked with Don on a few shows while working with CFP! Great man and great to work with! So sorry for the Family's loss :(
Ladonna
Wednesday, August 3, 2022
Rest in Peace Don. You are in my heart, you and Calli mean the world to me. Someday we'll all be together again. You will be greatly missed. Love to all.
Dena De Leon
Wednesday, August 3, 2022
Don may you rest in Peace. Calli may you find peace in your heart knowing Don is at peace now. He was a fighter for sure. Don was genuine and a friend to many. GOD SPEED Big Don you will be greatly missed Sir. It was a pleasure working with you in the tower at the Motorplex.
Charles Judd
Wednesday, August 3, 2022
RIP Big Don Ellison, you were an amazing man with an infectious smile and you will be greatly missed by all of those that loved you.
Todd Ferguson
Wednesday, August 3, 2022
Our joy is that you are now at rest with no more pain in the presence of your Lord and Savior. You more than fought the good fight. I will forever remember your call when Dan made his lap at VMP after securing his first PDRA Championship in 2014. Prayers for healing, strength, comfort and peace for your family and friends until we meet again.
Buzz Thompson
Wednesday, August 3, 2022
Don touched so meny people's life (Including mine) He was a Great person with a heart as big as Texas,he made you want to be the best person you could be.
R.I.P. my friend,the racing world has lost a Fantastic announcer and Friend 💔
BC O'Neill and Family
Wednesday, August 3, 2022
Always on our minds!
Coty Cole and Family
Tuesday, August 2, 2022
Briefly met Big Don back when he was announcing for the Diesel Thunder and ODSS events and he was always making jokes and entertaining the crowd and racers during down time true life of the party.
Joshua McGee & McGee Family
Tuesday, August 2, 2022
The whole McGee family is praying for Dons family. We have enjoyed many races and good times!
Doris.hoskins
Tuesday, August 2, 2022
So sorry to hear about don. Rest eazy now don love u
Craig Laminack (MudStruck.com)
Monday, August 1, 2022
Great guy gone to soon!!!
Ginger Smallwood
Monday, August 1, 2022
May heart goes out to you Calli. My cousin Big Don couldn't have asked for a better wife. Through good and bad you stood by his side and loved him through the toughest 4 year's of your life's. He is now your Angel watching from above. I love you both and Don left many memories and lot's of love behind so we may keep him alive in our heart's always. R.I.P. Until we see you again keep watching over us all.
Brenda Epperly
Monday, August 1, 2022
Thoughts and prayers are with you all. He was an amazing man on the microphone. He is missed dearly ðŸ™ðŸ»
Lisa Smith
Monday, August 1, 2022
You will forever be known as Lil Don to me. You brought laughter to all occasions. You lived one of kind life and you have left a one of kind legacy. Rest easy my friend you have fought a good fight and our walking the heavenly streets of gold. Save us all a seat I am sure you are already working some event. 💙💙💙
Amy Justiss
Monday, August 1, 2022
Working with you in the Monster truck and PDRA was such a joy and honor ! So many memories to cherish for many many yrs ! Thank you for such a amazing friendship! You will be missed buddy !
Sandra Carter-Beal
Monday, August 1, 2022
Simply sending love to you all - Calli my thoughts are with you at this time. Rest easy Big Don. God Speed. ðŸ™
Trish Hill
Monday, August 1, 2022
You are now announcing things for the big man in the sky. You will forever be missed. Don was one of a kind & will be missed by us all. He touched everyone's hearts. And had a beautiful hearted wife beside him the whole journey. You will never be forgotten.
Dustin Johnson
Monday, August 1, 2022
Big Don you will be missed by all. You have shown us all what the true definition of a fighter is! Thoughts and well wishes to you all.
Ronda Nitz
Monday, August 1, 2022
One of the best bosses ever
His voice will forever be remembered at events to come.
Teresa Levin
Monday, August 1, 2022
He was truly one of the good guys!
The life of any event
Will be forever missed
R.I.P Big
Lorront Carney
Monday, August 1, 2022
Always knew how to keep the crowd happy, 2 for price of 1 beer while cleaning up a oil spill! Great times Tulsa Speedway! RIP my friend…ðŸŽðŸðŸš¦
Gene Hinders
Monday, August 1, 2022
Loved listening in to the TOPMA events online and hearing BigDon covering the events.
Conversed back and forth with him quite a bit back in those days...I regret that I never got to meet him in person but still feel like I've lost a brother.
Ya know he's already organizing some events in Heaven!!!
Judy Ferreira
Monday, August 1, 2022
Don it was an honor know6 you and talk with through your sickness.You have taught me to be a stronger person with someone going through this
YOU AND CALLI were two people that I simply will never forget.R.I.P. Big Don
Mark Jones
Monday, August 1, 2022
Big Don will be greatly missed. Heaven gained a great soul.
Brittany Potts
Monday, August 1, 2022
Y’all are all in my prayers! Love yall BIG â¤ï¸
Charley watkins
Monday, August 1, 2022
You’ve moved on to bigger and better things, There’s is no pain, suffering, or hurting in heaven my friend.
Larry Fulton
Monday, August 1, 2022
Thanks for the fun times and memories at the races. You are truly a one of a kind and will be missed. See you in the staging lanes.
Jimmy Rowe
Monday, August 1, 2022
Rest easy my friend. You will never be forgotten.
Earl Groves
Monday, August 1, 2022
Just a great guy, everyone's friend.God speed.
Michael Robbins
Monday, August 1, 2022
Never met him in person but what a inspiration for us all he will be greatly missed
Phil Hoffman ( NHRA Phil )
Monday, August 1, 2022
Jason Sidenstick
Monday, August 1, 2022
Rest in peace fly with the angels
Kelly Shires
Monday, August 1, 2022
We ALLLLLLLL gonna miss you BIG. Race in Peace and see ya later..!!
Karlea jones
Monday, August 1, 2022
Melisa Ramsey
Monday, August 1, 2022
I will miss you so much my friend ! Your 1000 watt smile and your laugh will forever be engrained in my memory. Rest in all of God's glory and I'll see you on the other side one day soon. 💙
Tina Williams
Monday, August 1, 2022
Don was a great father, husband, son and granddad! I am so happy I got to speak with him in the months before his death. I loved him, as did so many! He is dancing with Jesus now and will watch over all of his loved ones until you see him again in Heaven. Love you all and praying for your strengthâ¤ï¸