Donnie has been my closest friend since I was 16 years old. Donnie was a friend and mentor to me at a time that God was pulling me close to follow Him in obedience. Donnie and I would exchange Bible verses weekly with notes of encouragement and I learned so much from his guidance and support.
Donnie and I taught a middle school boys Sunday school class together for about 6 years and co-led a particular group of young men from the time they were in middle school until they were in college. Donnie showed me how to love others through hospitality, generosity, and Christ-like obedience.
Donnie also helped me fall in love with praising God in song when he heard me singing next to him in church and encouraged me to use my gifts to glorify God and further pursue ministry in music. He was my favorite person to sing with and we sang together for several years.
He was like family to us and his family is our family. He was the best man at my wedding and has been there for just about every major life event for us. He came to the hospital the day each of my children were born. My kids called him Uncle Donnie and his kids call us Uncle Steve and Aunt Sally. We took several vacations and weekend trips together, many of which my family couldn’t afford on our own. He was always willing to share what he had with others.
He was extremely loyal and was the type of friend I wish everyone had the opportunity to have in this life. When you have such a meaningful relationship with someone, it’s especially painful when they’re gone but I am so thankful for the 26 years he was my best friend. I also take comfort in knowing that I will see him again when I finally go home to be in the presence of my Lord in paradise. I will also have all of eternity to praise God in song with my friend and brother Donnie. I will miss him terribly, but I look forward to the day when I see my dear friend again.
