Former mayor, business leader Don Solliday passes away
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Don Solliday had a love for people that guided the way he served as a public representative, and ran his businesses during his time in Ringgold county.
Don moved to Mount Ayr in 1965 from Chillicothe, MO, bringing his experience in the grocery business to southern Iowa.
He owned and operated Don’s Ayrliner for over 20 years on Hwy. 2 in Mount Ayr. The building later served as a long-time Hy-Vee grocery store, and is now owned by Triggs Feed.
He also ran Don’s Drive Inn, a restaurant that used to sit where PCSB Bank is currently located. Don finished out his career at Community Grocers, Inc in 2003, accumulating over 50-years in the grocery industry.
Don instilled his work ethic and morals into his children, grandchildren, and everyone he interacted with.
His son Scott grew up in the grocery store, and started working there when he was 13. He witnessed his father’s generosity with people firsthand.
“He was very soft hearted, and very forgiving,” said Scott, “There were lots of people…they wouldn’t get their checks for a couple weeks. He would let people run a tab.”
The Solliday family took many trips together over the years. However, they were never able to really enjoy a trip. Don was a servant to the grocery store, that was his love, he loved people.
“My dad was the type of guy that, as soon as we got to where we were going, he was ready to go back,” said Scott, “He would say, I gotta get back to the grocery store.”
Don also served as a member of the Mount Ayr Businessmen’s Club (now Chamber of Commerce), was a founding member of the Ringgold County Development Corporation and served as President of the Lion’s Club. He was also a member of the Jaycees and was on the hospital board of trustees.
He guided decisions for the city of Mount Ayr serving as a council member between 1970 – 1974. He served as Mayor for ten years from 2005 -2015 and then joined the council again from 2016 to 2019 before retiring from public service.
“Don Solliday was there when I was hired,” stated city administrator Brent Wise, “He was a great guy. He was responsible, reliable, and a good leader.”
He was a member of the Mount Ayr High School football chain gang for 40 years, and never missed a Friday. He was awarded the IFCA Distinguished Service Award by Kirk Ferentz in 2007.
When he wasn’t busy serving his community, he could be found out at Glendenning Motors, enjoying morning coffee with the crew. That gave him purpose in his later years.
“He got up every day, no matter how bad he felt, he went out there, unlocked it, made the coffee, that was his character,” Scott reflected.
Don loved people, he was loyal, and was consistent in all things. Of all of his service, the most important was serving the Lord.
“As he got older, he transitioned to Christ, that’s who he became,” Scott said, “That’s what he wanted everyone to know…that he loved Christ.”
Don was a member of the First Christian Church for over 50 years, where he served as an elder and a deacon and also as Chairman of the Board. He was a faithful man who loved Jesus Christ, his family and community.
“He understood that he was a sinner, and he fell short, but he also knew if he confessed with his mouth and believed in his heart that Jesus Christ was Lord, he would be saved,” stated Scott, “He studied the word, he loved bible studies, and was never afraid to share his faith.”
