Donald R. Redmiles of Davidsonville, MD, known by many as Coach “Cap,” passed away quietly on March 1, 2021 at 93 years young.A 40-year resident of Davidsonville, and previously of Cheverly, MD, Donald was born May 2, 1927 to the late Alfred and Bessie Redmiles, the youngest of eight sisters and two brothers, all of whom predeceased him.
From 1945 to 1946, Donald served in the U.S. Army, attending the University of Maryland in 1948 under the G.I. Bill where he played infield for Coach Shipley and graduated in 1953.
As a youth, Donald played sandlot baseball in Prince George’s County with the Snug Harbor Tavern team. He began his teaching career at Bell High School in Washington DC and helped start the Bladensburg Boys Club baseball team, then coached seven years at Bladensburg and Glenridge Junior High Schools and nine years at DuVal Senior High School.
After completing his master’s degree at George Washington University in 1969, Donald began a 14-year career as a Health and Physical Education instructor at Prince George’s Community College where he was the head baseball coach of the PGCC Owls until his retirement in 1983. As an instructor, Donald was well known for leading the “Senior’s Walking Class,” motivating seniors to exercise through organized tours of various sights and destinations.
For his dedication to coaching, Donald was inducted into the Washington D.C. Area Home Plate Club in 1987 and to the Maryland State Association of Baseball Coaches in 1994. He was also a proud member of Prince George’s County Retired Coaches, Teachers, Administrators and Friends (“Top Jocks”).
Donald enjoyed years of golfing and travel throughout the U.S., and treasured the many summers spent at his vacation home in Stephen’s City, VA with his wife, children and friends.
Donald was an avid gardener throughout his life, keeping his entire family and neighbors well stocked with vegetables from a large backyard garden.
In addition to his parents and siblings, Donald was preceded in death by Stella, his loving wife of 65 years, and his grandson, Thomas Redmiles. Donald leaves behind his two sons: Joseph (Mary) Redmiles and Glenn (Irene) Redmiles, both of Davidsonville; four grandchildren, Matthew (Molly Abbott) Redmiles of Selbyville, DE, Colleen (Jon) Isett of Davidsonville, Katie (Chris) Redmiles Barron and Donald Redmiles, both of Annapolis, and three great-granddaughters, all who will miss their Pop.
A private family funeral is planned. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Thomas H. Redmiles Foundation, 1260 Village Lake Drive, Davidsonville, MD 21035.
Online condolences may be offered using the Memory Wall at Warren-McElwain Funeral Home
