Sunrise: April 18, 1956 Sunset: May 4, 2026
Visitation: Friday May 08, 2026 Danile & Son Funeral Home 11am to 6pm 401 W 18th Street Bryan Texas 77802
Service: Saturday May 09, 2026 A&M United Methodist Church 417 University Dr, College Station, TX 77840 11am
Dr. Don Renchie was born on April 18, 1956, in Bryan, Texas, to Pearline Renchie and John B. Childs Jr. A beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, mentor, educator, and friend, Don departed this life on Monday, May 4, 2026, surrounded by family, friends, and caregivers at Baylor Scott & White Health in Temple, Texas.
A beacon of wisdom, warmth, and unwavering faith, Don touched countless lives through his kindness, humor, generosity, and steady presence. He carried a spirit that made people feel seen, welcomed, and valued. Whether through his work, his guidance, his storytelling, or simply his presence, he left an imprint on every room he entered. Dr. Renchie accepted Christ at a young age and carried his faith throughout his life. His belief in God shaped the way he loved others,
showed compassion, and extended grace to those around him. A proud graduate of Bryan High School, Dr. Renchie continued his educational journey at Prairie View A&M University before earning his Ph.D. from Texas A&M University. Guided and inspired by influential mentors such as Professor Lloyd Thomas, his passion for education, leadership, agriculture, and public service became the foundation of a career devoted to uplifting communities and creating opportunities for others.
Professionally respected and admired by colleagues, students, and communities across Texas and beyond, Dr. Don Renchie, Professor, Extension Program Leader, and Pesticide Safety Education Program Coordinator with Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service, dedicated
his life to education, leadership, mentorship, agriculture, and public service. Throughout his distinguished career with Texas A&M AgriLife Extension and numerous state and national organizations, he became widely recognized for his commitment to pesticide safety
education, youth development, environmental stewardship, agricultural advancement, and community outreach.
His work earned him countless honors and awards, including the Regents Fellow Service Award from the Texas A&M University System Board of Regents, the International IPM Award of Excellence from the United States Environmental Protection Agency, the AAPSE Life Member Award, and numerous Superior Service Awards through Texas A&M AgriLife Extension. Yet beyond every title, board appointment, and professional recognition, Don remained a man
deeply committed to people, service, faith, mentorship, and uplifting others.
To many, he was more than a colleague or educator. He was a source of wisdom, encouragement, laughter, accountability, and support. He believed in helping people find their footing, giving back to underserved communities, mentoring youth, and creating
opportunities for others to grow and succeed. Known to many as a community father and uncle, Don opened his heart, wisdom, and home to countless people throughout his life, embracing and uplifting generations with love, guidance, and unwavering support. His legacy reaches far beyond accomplishments; it lives on in the countless lives he inspired, guided, and uplifted throughout his journey.
Don leaves to cherish his memory his devoted wife, Sheila Renchie; his mother, Pearline Renchie; his loving children, LaChelle and Sheldon; Chanel, Moses, LaChrista, and Colby, his nieces and nephew who were raised in his home and loved as his own; his daughter-in- love, Sierra; his cherished granddaughters, Paisley and Chesney; his son-in-love, Tyrone; his beloved Aunt Marie, who lovingly raised him as her own son; his siblings: Danny, Larry, Cedric, Lovie, LaQuitta H.,
LaQuitta T., Gloria, Keisha, LaShun, Tracy, Gracie, Alberta, Wanda, Lola, Lynell, Sharon, Danielle, Dudley, Omar, Renée, Termisha, and Fred; and his chosen siblings: LyQuitta R., Darrell, Dexter, Ashley, and Steve. He was preceded in death by his beloved brother, Hank; and his father, John B. Childs, Jr.
He also leaves behind a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family, colleagues, students, lifelong friends, and generations of loved ones whose lives were shaped by his wisdom, guidance, humor, and unwavering love. Though he may be absent from our sight, his wisdom, love, laughter, and legacy will remain woven into the hearts of all who knew and loved him.
“Well done, good and faithful servant.”