Donald Irvin Fields

Donald Irvin Fields was born on August 3, 1944 in Sword’s Creek, Virginia. He died on May 4, 2022 from complications of Parkinson disease. He was predeceased by his mother, Trula Perkins Fields, his father, Conley Fields, his sister, Sandra Whitlow and his niece. Kimberly Fields. Don is survived by his wife of 38 years, Mary Jane Pickup Fields, children; Melody Hoover (Bruce), Beth Wise (Tony), Michael Nystrom (Melissa) and Amanda Ramey. He has seven grandchildren; Elijah Choplin (Lisa), Jennifer Wise, Heather Wise, Ryan Nystrom, Owen Nystrom, Matthew Schell and Jacob Schell. He also leaves two sisters, Anna Marie Hodges (Connie), Sharon Hess (Sam) and a brother, Charley Fields (Maureen), a niece, Kay Newcomb (Keith), and two nephews; Jay Whitlow and Scott Whitlow. Don served in the U.S. Army during Vietnam and was a decorated war hero receiving a Purple Heart with V for Valor and a Bronze Star. Don was a local radio broadcaster with WODY and later WMVA. His radio name was Jay Scott. He was a pilot, scuba diver, artist and played the trumpet. Don’s passion was Shotokan Karate. He worked with students all over the county at Fieldale-Collinsville High School and at his Dojo in Collinsville. He was an influential role model to many young men and women in the area. Don was the most generous man ever. Laughter always followed him. He was an active member of Fieldale Baptist Church where he sang in the choir. A special thank you to his faithful caregivers, Tammy Strain, Larry Moyer and David Curry. A visitation will be held on Friday, May 6, 2022 from 6:00 to 8:00 pm at Collins Funeral Home, 30 Riverside Hwy, Bassett, Virginia. A funeral service will be conducted at 11:00 am on Saturday, May 7, 2022 at Fieldale Baptist Church, 175 Church Hill Road, Fieldale, Virginia with Reverend Allen Jackson officiating. Interment will follow in Roselawn Burial Park with Military Rites to be performed by the Martinsville-Henry County Veterans Honor Guard. The family suggest donations may be made to Fieldale Baptist Church, Mountain Valley Hospice or to SPCA of Martinsville-Henry County. Online condolences at www.collinsmckeestonebassett.com