Donald Ray Lee

Donald Ray Lee, better known as Don, age 80 of Gallatin, TN passed away Wednesday, October 29, 2025. He was born June 3, 1945 in Nashville, TN to Thomas W. and Leatha Josephine Keith Lee.

Playing music from an early age, Don, Larry Leath, Wayne Wright, and Bobby Dorris formed a band named Rockin’ Rebels. The band later became the Deltas and then The Glass Hammer. During his musical career, the bands would have members leave and then be replaced, while Don was the only original member who played in all three bands.

During his time with The Glass Hammer, the band performed as the opening act for Ricky Nelson in Oklahoma. Then they began traveling with Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons; a highlight during this time was a performance at the new Grand Ole Opry House in February of 1975. In 1981, Ronnie McDowell and The Glass Hammer recorded the soundtrack for the movie “Elvis and The Beauty Queen”.

After retiring from the music business, Don was always interested in kit cars. He designed one and named it DL 10. Shirley came up with the name, “DL”, his initials and “10” because every car panel fit with the same distance between them.

Don was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Thomas A. “Tinker” Lee.

He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Shirley Pounders Lee; son, Jeffrey “Jeff” (Angela) Lee; sister, Lydia Lee Stevens; grandchildren, Tyler (Laurel) Lee, Holly Lee and Sierra Lee; great-granddaughter, Josie; niece, Gina Lee; nephew, Berry Wayne Lee; extended family and friends.

A celebration of Don’s life will be held at a later date and times and location will be announced when available.