Reeder Donald Behel

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Reeder Donald Behel, 80, of Greenhill, AL, peacefully went to his eternal reward on January 24, 2026. He was at home surrounded by his loving family. Don was known for his warm hugs and sincere “I Love You”. He was filled with a genuine desire to help others, especially helping others find their way to Heaven. He was a devoted Christian worshipping at the Church of Christ at Lone Cedar. Don served the Lord there as a Deacon and Elder for 46 years. He considered this his greatest achievement in life. He taught many classes at church and will long be remembered for his impactful marriage enrichment classes. His prayers almost always included “let us always remember to build up & never tear down”. 

After graduating from UNA he was commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant in the United States Army as a Nike Hercules Missile Air Defense Officer. He served in Korea as a Unit Commander. He also became the National Guard Company Commander for the 115th Signal Battalion in Florence, AL. After 23 years of service, he retired as a Lieutenant Colonel. Don loved his country and was proud of his service.

He began his professional life teaching mathematics at Brooks High School and Lauderdale County High School before returning to UNA to earn his Master’s Degree in Guidance and Counseling. After graduation he began his career in Real Estate. Don partnered with Dan Holland to form Holland & Behel Realty & Auction, a partnership that lasted 13 years and grew into a lifelong friendship. In 1990, he opened the doors to Don Behel Realty & Auction, and it became a premier company conducting thousands of actions in Alabama, Tennessee, and Mississippi. Don loved his profession and the many friendships he formed throughout his career. He served as President of the Alabama Auctioneers Association and was honored with an induction into the Alabama Auctioneers Hall of Fame. He retired in 2020 due to illness.

Don was also an avid cattleman and served as President of the Lauderdale County Cattlemen’s Association.

Don was preceded in death by his father Paul Reeder Behel, his mother Hazel Johns Behel, and Billy Presley whom he cared for as his own son.

He is survived by his wife and love of his life Glenda Gooch Behel, his children Kevin Behel (Julia) and Karla Gray (Barry), and his grandchildren Colby Behel, Caden Behel (Mariah), Benton Gray (Brooke), and Sadee Gray (A.J.). He also leaves behind daughters he loved as his own Lisa Grigsby and Dana Hamlin, his siblings Ronnie Behel (Linda) and Patty Nagle (Roy), and many beloved nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be Thursday, January 29, 2026 from 5:00 P.M.-8:00 P.M. at Lone Cedar Church of Christ. The Celebration of his amazing life will be Friday, January 30, 2026 at 1:00 P.M. The casket will lie in state at the church from 12:00 P.M. until the service time at 1:00 P.M. on Friday. 

Officiating will be Bro. Tim Grigsby.

Lone Cedar Church of Christ is located at:

10000 CR 47

Florence, AL 35634

Pallbearers will be Colby Behel, Caden Behel, Benton Gray, Barry Gray, Matt LeMay, and Jared Behel.

The family wishes to express deep gratitude to Home Instead and North Alabama Hospice and their loving nurses and caretakers.  Thanks also to Alice’s Angels from Lone Cedar for all their food and support. Special thanks to Sabrina Green for her dedication and willingness to help at any time.

Don Behel leaves behind a lasting impact and will be long remembered by family , friends, and community. He loved his wife and family dearly. Don was a born leader, hard worker, trustworthy, truly cared about others and loved nothing better than putting a smile on someone’s face. He never met a stranger and loved to talk. Most importantly, he was a faithful Christian.

Greenhill Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.