In Memoriam – Donald Howard Overmyer Jr.
Donald Howard Overmyer Jr., of Linden, AL, passed away peacefully at UAB Palliative Care on May 21, 2026, at the age of 88. He was born on December 11, 1937, in Chattanooga, TN, to Donald Howard Overmyer Sr. and Ruth Elberfeld Overmyer. He graduated from Baylor High School in 1956 and later attended the University of Alabama.
Don began his career in Linden with Menlo Wood Products, a division of his family’s Chattanooga Box and Lumber Company. In those early years, he traveled weekly between Chattanooga and Linden to oversee the pecker wood sawmill, which produced lumber for Coca-Cola crates and ammunition boxes during an important period in American history. After a devastating fire destroyed the mill in the early 1960’s, he purchased the property from his family and, in 1963, reopened it as Linden Lumber Company, beginning a lifelong commitment to Linden and Marengo County. Through vision, determination, and innovation, he grew Linden Lumber Company and its related businesses to employ more than 900 people across three locations at its peak and sold lumber and flooring products all over the world. Widely respected as a leader and trailblazer in the hardwood industry, he was known for his forward-thinking approach, strong work ethic, and active involvement in the Hardwood Manufacturers Association where he served as President, on the board of directors, and on the executive committee during the 1980’s. Despite his many accomplishments, he remained humble and quietly helped countless individuals throughout his life, never seeking recognition or praise.
He is survived by his daughter, Kathryn O. Earthman (Webb); son, Hugh V. Overmyer (Adrienne); daughter, Sarah Strother Perdue (Bruce); sister, Susan Ragland; grandchildren, Caroline Stephens (Wil), Henry Overmyer (Liza), Sarah Overmyer, Eva Overmyer, Rachel Schindler (Steve), Ashley Earthman, John Miller Perdue, and James Brittin Perdue; one great-grandson, William Stewart Stephens, Jr., and two great-granddaughters Grace Frances Schindler and Gwendolyn Elizabeth Schindler.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Marjorie Strother Overmyer; and son, Michael Keith Overmyer.
A memorial service was held on June 8, 2026, at Faunsdale Presbyterian Church, with Rev. George McKee officiating.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Faunsdale Presbyterian Church, PO Box 5, Faunsdale AL 36738.
The family extends heartfelt gratitude to the nurses and doctors at Whitfield Regional Hospital for their exceptional care and dedication, staff at UAB Palliative Care, and offers special thanks to Kimberly Johnson, his primary caretaker, and helpers, Carolyn Jones, Arlean Burrell, and Anthony Lewis.
