One of the truly legendary walking horse trainers, Donald Paschal, passed away Thanksgiving Day in Woodbury, Tenn., at the age of 70.
Mr. Paschal was one of the leading trainers of his era. Working from his barn in Readyville, Tenn., he won many world championships. He also earned two World Grand Championships; the first with Go Boy's Royal Heir in 1968, and the second aboard Handshaker's Delight in 1972. Both stallions were owned by Dr. and Mrs. C.L. Sexton of Florence, S.C. The Sexton family was prominent in the walking horse industry as owners, exhibitors and breeders. Their grand daughter Candace Williams had taken Royal Heir to the Amateur World Grand Championship in 1967 with Paschal as trainer. In 1971, Paschal and Handshaker's Delight earned the Reserve World Grand Championship.
Both Donald and his brother Sam, also a noted walking horse trainer, were known for their first-class presentation of horses and riders. Both believed that the "turn-out" of horses and riders was of equal importance to the performance. Paschal riders entered the ring elegantly dressed with tack and horse gleaming and in perfect trim.
In recognition of his outstanding contributions to the walking horse industry, Paschal was inducted into the Tennessee Walking Horse National Celebration Hall of Fame in May of 1984.
Mr. Paschal also served for many years as a director of the Tennessee Walking Horse Breeders' and Exhibitors' Association in Lewisburg, Tenn. In addition, he held former directorships of the Bank of Commerce (now Union Planters Bank) and of Mid-State Producers. He was a past member of the Cannon County Election Commission and a member of the First Baptist Church where he served on the Building Fund Committee.
Mr. Paschal is survived by his wife of 52 years, Mildred Alexander Paschal, Readyville; niece, Mary Forrest Paschal Hancock, Murfreesboro, Tenn.; grand-nephew Matthew Hancock, Murfreesboro; sisters-in-law, Nola Alexander Turney and Helen W. Alexander, both of Readyville. He was preceded in death by his parents, Chalmus Hall and Hassie Ready Paschal; and brothers Sam C. Paschal and C. Forrest Paschal.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that contributions be made to the First Baptist Church Building Fund through the Woodbury Funeral Home.