Donnie attended Miami public schools, graduating from Miami Jackson Senior High School in 1967. Following high school, he attended North Carolina A&T University and later joined the U.S. Air Force, where he served the majority of his enlistment as an Airframe Repair Technician. On September 9, 1974, he married Elsie Johnson of Opa-Locka, Florida. They became the parents of three children: Shon, Kiana and Dorian.
Donnie’s military career took him to locations all over the globe, such as England, the Philippines and South Korea. While in the military, Donnie earned numerous commendations, including the National Defense Service Medal, the Air Force Longevity Service Award Ribbon with four oak leaf clusters and two Air Force Overseas Ribbons. He retired at the rank of Master Sergeant from the Air Force in 1989 with an honorable discharge.
After proudly serving his country on active duty for 20 years, Donnie continued his commitment by transitioning into the Air Force Reserves. He also began a civilian career, continuing to work in aircraft maintenance at Dee Howard and Singapore Technologies. He retired from Singapore Technologies in August of 2017.
Donnie gave his life to the Lord as an adult, and his faith defined him and was the bedrock of his spiritual walk with Jesus. He was an active member of Church of the Firstborn, SA, where he was ordained as a minister of the Gospel and an Elder of the church. He also served as an usher and sang in the men’s choir. He was a faithful, fervent witness for Christ and considered it a joy and privilege to be able to distribute Bibles to others. He taught in the church’s Summer Bible Seminars and School of the Bible, and led the Faithful Men’s Fellowship. One of his favorite Men’s Fellowship activities was participating in the annual chili cook-off, and, after many years of trying, he finally won first place in September 2019.
For decades, Donnie was an avid motor vehicle enthusiast, as his affinity for automobiles included collecting and restoring cars, trucks and vans. He was a master of the grill and would often cook up huge delectable meals for family and friends. Donnie loved the outdoors and enjoyed camping, all types of fishing, visits to the beach and playing golf. On the weekends, it would not be uncommon to find him perusing garage and estate sales in search of the next good deal.
Donnie adored his grandchildren, who affectionately called him their Pop-Pop. They knew that he could always be counted on to provide an endless supply of hugs, candy and Grandpa jokes. Donnie, our cherished husband, father, brother, grandfather, father-in-law and cousin, went home to be with the Lord on Wednesday, April 8, 2020. Donnie was preceded in death by his parents, brother Edward Wilder and brothers-in-love, Clarence Harvey and Steven Mitchell. He is survived by his wife of 45 years, Elsie; children Shon (Cedric) Williams, Kiana, and Dorian (Kendra) Townsend; grandchildren Indya, Trinity, and Braxton; sisters Remona Townsend of Miami, FL, Dorothy Bass of Fort Pierce, FL, Barbara Harvey of Atlanta, GA, Mary (Eugene) McGhee of McDonough, GA, Brenda Mitchell of Nassau, Bahamas and sister-in-love Hattie Wilder of Lynn Haven, FL; brothers George (Alfreda) Wilder of Palm Beach, FL, Charles (Willie Mae) Wilder of Jonesboro, GA and William (Elena) Wright of Lithia, FL, and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.
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