Udorn Chantharaksri, lovingly known as Don Chan, passed away on October 24, 2026, leaving behind a family who loved him dearly and a lifetime of memories that will be treasured forever.

Born in Bangkok, Thailand, Don came to the United States in the mid-1970s and attended Louisiana Tech. He eventually made Lilburn, Georgia, his home for nearly 30 years, building a life with family and retiring there. With an entrepreneurial spirit, a sharp business mind, and a talent for working with his hands, he built a life through hard work, determination, and independence.

On October 27, 1977, Don married his beloved wife, Aroonwan Boonarkat, affectionately known as Donna. Together, they built a family and a life filled with love, laughter, hard work, and countless shared memories. Don embraced the role of husband and father wholeheartedly, helping raise Donna’s four young children, Pam, Aimee, Armstrong, and Nora, and later welcoming their son, Bo. His family was his greatest pride and one of the most important parts of his life. Don was proud to be an American, having studied and receiving his United States citizenship certificate in 2023.

A natural businessman and a man of many talents, Don owned and operated several businesses, including an import-export business, Action Windows, a home improvement company, and Thai-1-On Cafe, a Thai restaurant. Whether running a business, preparing a meal, creating something with his hands, or repairing just about anything, Don had a remarkable ability to figure things out and get the job done.

Don was a simple man in the best sense of the word. Most comfortable in a T-shirt and jeans or shorts, he never needed much to be happy. He found satisfaction in working with his hands, building things, and seeing his ideas come to life. From adding a room to the family home to building a backyard gazebo, he was always ready to take on a project. He also had an artistic side and a natural gift for cooking, bringing creativity and skill to everything he did.

Food was one of Don’s great passions. A true foodie, he loved cooking and enjoying a wide variety of cuisines, including Thai, Chinese, Cajun, Mexican, and Southern favorites such as BBQ, fried catfish, and fried chicken. He appreciated good food, whether he was preparing it for others or enjoying a favorite meal with family.

When he wasn’t working, cooking, or tackling a project, Don enjoyed watching sports, including football, basketball, auto racing, and eventually baseball. He also enjoyed fishing and spending time with the people he loved. Don had a soft spot for his pets, including his beloved cat, who brought him companionship and added another special source of joy to his life.

Don was social, quick-witted, and blessed with a wonderful sense of humor. He loved telling jokes, making people laugh, and occasionally pulling a harmless prank. He had a natural ability to connect with people and made friends wherever life took him. Whether through business, working alongside others, or simply meeting someone in passing, Don readily earned people’s friendship and respect. His down-to-earth nature, practical skills, and easygoing humor left a lasting impression on those who knew him. His passing will be deeply felt not only by his family and close friends but also by former colleagues, business associates, acquaintances, and the many others whose lives he touched along the way.

Above all, Don was a devoted husband, a loving father, and a proud grandfather. His greatest joy was spending time with Donna, his children, and his grandchildren. He expressed his love in many ways—through his hard work, his willingness to help, the meals he prepared, the things he built, and the time he gave to his family. His love was woven into the everyday moments that become the most cherished memories.

Don is survived by his beloved wife of nearly 49 years, Donna; their five children, Pam and her husband, Joe; Aimee; Armstrong; Nora and her husband, Jack; and Bo. He was a proud grandfather to nine grandchildren: Joe, Nicholas, and Rachel, children of Pam and Joe; David, Jonathan, and Amanda, children of Aimee and her late husband, David; and Catherine, Christopher, and Brian, children of Nora and Jack. He is also survived by his two sisters, Ornapa and Pabarut, in Thailand, along with several nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his father, Bak Heng, mother, Jeng Yim, and brother, Udom Chantharaksri.

A private family memorial took place October 29th from 10 a.m.- 12 p.m. at Byrd & Flanigan Funeral Home in Lawrenceville, GA, and a family service was held October 29th from 12:30 p.m.- 1:30 pm at East Shadowlawn Memorial Garden.

Pallbearers were Bo Chantharaksri, Joe Broadway, Nic Broadway, Christopher Ratana, and Brian Tarkoff

Don will be remembered for his independence, resourcefulness, culinary talents, quick wit, ability to make friends, and deep devotion to his family. He lived life in his own way, with hard work, humor, and a love for the simple pleasures that made each day meaningful.

Though his absence leaves an immeasurable void, the memories he created, the friendships he built, the respect he earned, and the love he gave will live on in the hearts of those who knew him.

He will be missed more than words can express and loved forever.