Remembering Don Odom Shadow (1940–2024)
Remembering Don Odom Shadow (1940–2024)
We are saddened to share the news of the passing of Don Odom Shadow, a distinguished fourth-generation nurseryman, horticulturist, and conservationist from Winchester, Tennessee. Born on October 19, 1940, to Hoskins A. and Minnie Lee (Odom) Shadow, Don passed away at age 84 on November 11, 2024. He leaves behind an extraordinary legacy in horticulture and wildlife conservation that will continue to inspire future generations.
A Life Dedicated to Horticulture and Conservation
As the owner of Shadow Nursery, founded in 1973, Don introduced rare and innovative plant materials to the U.S. market through both domestic and international travels. His extensive plant explorations enriched American landscapes with species ideally suited for diverse growing conditions—an enduring contribution to our industry. Beyond plant propagation, Don was deeply committed to animal and wildlife conservation, raising and caring for more than 600 animals across over 60 species on his farm. His collaborations with zoos and breeders across the nation helped preserve endangered species such as Bactrian camels, zebras, water buffalo, red pandas, rare Nubian wild donkeys, and bearded pigs from Borneo.
Leadership, Recognition, and Service
A graduate of the University of Tennessee with a degree in horticulture, Don later served on the university’s Board of Trustees, championing agricultural and horticultural research. He also held influential roles on the U.S. National Arboretum Advisory Council and on the boards of the American Horticultural Society, Southern Nursery Association, Tennessee Nursery and Landscape Association, and the International Plant Propagators’ Society. Among his many accolades were the Garden Club of America’s Medal of Honor, the American Horticultural Society’s Commercial Award, and the Southern Nursery Association’s Slater Wight Memorial Award. In recognition of his lifelong advocacy for cutting-edge plant introductions, the Southern Nursery Association established the Don Shadow Award of Excellence.
Within IPPS, Don served as the Eastern Region President from 1982 to 1983 and was designated an IPPS Eastern Region Fellow in 1995. He also attended the IPPS Southern Region meeting in 2018, where he was warmly greeted by a long line of friends and colleagues eager to celebrate his legacy of sharing knowledge.
Family and Personal Legacy
Don was married to Mary Eleanor for 56 years; together, they treasured their daughter Jennifer and grandsons Elijah, Eathan, and Evan. He delighted in teaching his family farm skills—from driving tractors to caring for animals—and his joyful spirit and generous mentorship have influenced countless friends, peers, and future horticulturists.
A Lasting Impact
Don’s passion, energy, and generosity touched every life he encountered—whether through plants, animals, or kind words of advice. Though we mourn his loss, his spirit lives on in the fields he cultivated, the wildlife he protected, and the people he inspired.
A memorial service will be held in the spring. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations be made to the Don Shadow Memorial Scholarship Fund at Citizens Community Bank or mailed to P.O. Box 6, Huntland, TN 37345. Expressions of sympathy may also be shared via Moore-Cortner Funeral Home in Winchester, Tennessee. We extend our deepest condolences to Don’s family and friends, honoring him for the exceptional plantsman and devoted conservationist he was—and will remain in memory.