Gene "Poppy" Donaldson

Gene “Poppy” Donaldson, 80, of Smiths Station, AL passed away Saturday evening, June 8, 2024, in the comfort of his home while surrounded by his loving family.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 am Wednesday, June 12, 2024, at Philadelphia Baptist Church in Smiths Station with Rev. Clay Duck and Mr. Craig Parnell officiating.   Interment will follow at Lakeview Memory Gardens in Phenix City.  The family will receive friends Tuesday evening from 6:00 to 8:00 pm EDT at Vance Brooks Home in Phenix City.  Serving as pallbearers are Earl Mann, Paul Webb, Harvey Baker, Craig Parnell, Steve Landreau, and Brian Adkins, serving as honorary pallbearers are the Deacons of Philadelphia Baptist Church.

Gene was born August 7, 1943, in Columbus, GA, son of the late Norman P. Donaldson and Catherine Dean Donaldson.  He served as a First Responder and Public Servant as a Sergeant with the Phenix City Police Department, taking great pride in his many duties for the City of Phenix City.  After his service as a police officer, he worked as an insurance agent with Liberty National Life and retiring with United Health Care serving many families with their insurance needs.  He was a member of the Fraternal Order of Police, and served as a Deacon of Philadelphia Baptist Church where he was a longtime member.  He enjoyed the outdoors, fishing and hunting, cooking, fellowship, was a gifted wood craftsman, and was a huge fan of the Alabama Crimson Tide.  His greatest joy and passion were sharing and spending time with all his family and grandchildren.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his son, Tim W. Donaldson, and a sister, Diane Harris.

He is survived by the love of his life and wife of 62 years, whom he married on her birthday, Juanita “Nita” Miller Donaldson; one daughter, Jennifer McVay and husband Dwayne, all of Smiths Station, AL; brother-in-law, Larry Miller and wife Carol of Athens, GA; two grandchildren, Heather Posey and husband Charles, and Mykayla McVay, and one precious great-granddaughter, Krimson Posey;  several nieces, nephews, numerous other loving family members, church family, and many caring friends.

In lieu of flowers, the family request contributions to Columbus Hospice, or the American Cancer Society in memory of Mr. Gene Donaldson.

We leave you with Gene’s favorite verse, “But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.” Matthew 6:33