Donnie S. Sides Jr.

Donnie, age 41, died April 11, 2016. He was born December 18, 1974 to Connie Sides of Charlotte and Donnie S. Sides of Albemarle. Donnie served in the U.S. Navy aboard the John F. Kennedy in the Persian Gulf. He was presently a ship’s Captain in the U.S. Merchant Marine. Donnie was an avid outdoorsman and traveled throughout the world. He lived life to the fullest, always laughing and sharing jokes. Donnie experienced twice as much in life than many people twice his age.

A service to celebrate Donnie’s life will be held 3:00 PM Saturday, April 23rd at Wilson Funeral & Cremation Service.

In addition to his parents, survivors include step-father, Stu Jelenick; step-mother, Kimberly Sides; grandmother, Nora “Nanny” Varner; grandparents, Donald and Bernice Sides; grandmother, Shirley Pence; uncle, Ken Varner; aunts, Deloris Varner, Donna Varner and Paula Barrier; step siblings; and many cousins. Donnie was preceded in death by grandfather, David A. Varner, Jr.; and uncles, David A. Varner, III, Sidney Sides and Eddie Sides.

Donnie’s first love was the great outdoors. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to help save the oceans and National Parks.

Arrangements by Wilson Funeral & Cremation Service, 5301 Albemarle Road, Charlotte, NC 28212 (704-568-2106). Condolences may be offered at www.wilsonfuneralservices.com.