Billie Don Pharr (Don), 84, beloved husband of Karen Pharr, died on January 7, 2026, in Leesburg, FL with his wife and other loving family members by his side. Don was born September 16, 1941, to William and Faye in rural Mississippi. Don’s father was in the Navy, so the family soon left the farm, moving to locations all over the U.S.

Don completed 3 years of college at the University of Hawaii but heard the call to serve his country and joined the Air Force. His first tour of duty was in Japan, where he enjoyed touring on his motorcycle. His second was in Vietnam, where he was on flying duty. His base came under attack during the Tet Offensive, an experience that left a deep impression on him. For his service in Vietnam, Don earned the Distinguished Flying Cross.

When his enlistment ended, he was recruited by the National Security Agency and assigned a tour of duty in the UK with his first wife, Charleen. Don’s sons, William and Matthew, were born there.

Don graduated from the University of Maryland while working for NSA. He was a proud patriot and believed that serving his country was a calling, as well as an honor. His efforts were rewarded with the Meritorious Civilian Service Award.

Don and Karen were married in 1995 and Don’s family now included Karen’s daughter, Kimberly. Don made every effort to ensure that all three children, as well as Karen’s parents and other family members, felt loved and comfortable in the home that he and Karen created. Don retired in 1999 but was called back to work for several years after the attacks against the U.S. on 9/11.

Karen retired in 2002, which meant a move to the beach in Delaware. Although Karen was there for the ocean, Don was there for the golf. He joined Cripple Creek Golf and Country Club, where he met an exceptional group of golfers who became lifelong friends. Don served as president of the Club for two years.

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When the winters became too difficult for Don, he and Karen moved to Florida. They were fortunate to already have friends there and they found many new ones in their community. Don sought out fellow golfers and again found an outstanding group of men with whom he could play golf and socialize several times a week.

Unfortunately, Don’s health was declining. He was still determined to get out on the links whenever he could, and with the help of the others in his group he played until the last few weeks of his life.

One of his greatest joys was phone calls with his grandchildren. He delighted in long discussions with the two eldest about their college classes and plans, as well as with the youngest about his high school studies and golf game. Don and Karen loved to cruise together and went on a Christmas cruise to the Caribbean that ended less than one week before Don entered the hospital.

Don is survived by his wife, Karen; children, William (Beth), Matthew, and Kimberly; three grandchildren, and loving in-laws and friends. He was predeceased by his parents and by his father- and mother-in law, Gilbert and Sibylla Buffaloe. Don’s final resting place will be at the Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Sussex County, Delaware.

Don was definitely one of a kind, and he will be forever missed.

Donations in Don’s memory may be made to PGA HOPE, a charitable program that uses golf to enhance the physical, mental, social, and emotional well-being of Veterans and Active-Duty Military, or to the charity of your choice.