Jerry was born on March 17, 1938, in Louisville to Willis Edward and Willie Green Donald. He graduated from Louisville High School in 1956, and went on to Mississippi State University where he graduated with a degree in Industrial Management. In 1958, he began work at Taylor Machine Works and had the first computer system installed, initiated the first cost control of manufacturing, and became Vic-President of Manufacturing Production control, including inventory, cost and production controls. Jerry and his wife, Jeanette, bought out the downtown division of Taylor Machine Works in 1968, which became D & T Services and NAPA Automotive. He later added Ace Hardware. Jerry was a faithful and active member of First Baptist Church and was elected a deacon at the age of 25 and still holds the record for the youngest deacon to be elected at First Baptist Church. From there he served as chairman at times on many different committees, as Sunday School and Training Union leader, and taught Sunday School for over 50 years. Most importantly, he served with a wonderful pastor search committee as chairman and God led them to the right pastor/teacher for First Baptist Church. Jerry served in many civic and community positions. He served as president of the Winston County Chamber of Commerce, and was awarded the first Lifetime Achievement Award in 2003. He served as chairman of the Winston County Hospital Board, and the Louisville Utility board. As chairman of the Winston Academy board of directors, and he received an award at an MPSA meeting in Jackson as the longest standing private school board member in the state of Mississippi. He also served on the board of First United Bank and Bancorp South, chairman of the Rick Hughes Evangelistic board, and on the board of evangelist John Tierney’s Haiti missions.
Mr. Donald is survived by the love of his life, his wife of 62 ½ years, Jeanette Taylor Donald; two daughters, Deborah (Pete) Johnson and Cynthia (Hal) Nowell, all from Louisville; a daughter-in-law, Danielle Donald of San Juan Capistrano, CA; and his son, Jerry L. Donald, Jr, who went to heaven on March 29, 2014; his grandchildren, Jade Johnson (Stephen) Arnett, Miles Taylor Johnson, Mary Mackenzie Nowell, Darby Taylor Nowell, Hallie Turner Nowell, Neely Kate Nowell, and Sophia Ryan Donald; and a great grandson, Johnson Reed Arnett. Jerry set a wonderful, godly example for his wife, children, grandchildren, and great grandson all his life. He loved spending time with his family and loved taking the entire family to the beach every summer.
Pallbearers will be Miles Johnson, Stephen Arnett, Matthew Barrett, Jacob Prisock, Zack Roberson, and Joe Hallford.
Memorials may be made to First Baptist Church or French Camp Academy.
