Donald Anthony was born on June 23rd, 1947, to Emmett and Odessa Anthony. He was the first born and their only son. He had two sisters, Becky Morgan and Bonnie Back, that he loved and cherished dearly. In December of 1969, he married his beautiful wife Linda Brooks Anthony to whom he has been married for 56 years last December. They shared two daughters, Leslie and Ashley. He would tell you that they were his greatest accomplishment in life.
Donald started work at the Columbus Ledger at an early age delivering newspapers on a bicycle. He proudly served in the United States Air Force from 1966-1970 as a crewmember for a KC-135 in the Young Tiger Combat Air Refuelers in the Vietnam War. After the Air Force, he joined Georgia Power where he had a long successful career as a lineman. Some may even remember his beloved dog “Bud” that made frequent calls with him after hours.
Donald enjoyed many things but life on the Chattahoochee River with his family was where you would find him the happiest. He once bragged he could ski on anything including plywood discs and his bare feet. He is known for teaching everyone he met how to water ski.
Until the end, our father remained himself, full of love for his family, good BBQ, and the Florida Gators.
He is survived by his wife, Linda Anthony; his daughters, Leslie Anthony and Ashley Ingram (Tony); his grandchildren, Elliot Anthony, Daniel Ingram, Katie Ingram, and Tara Highnote (Dylan); his great grandchildren; Krews Lott; Binley Highnote, Olivia Highnote, Clint Highnote, Jackson Hightnote, Chloe White and Zhoe White; his sister, Bonnie Back (Rick), and his brother-in-law Barry Morgan . He is preceded in death by his parents, Emmett and Odessa Anthony; his sister, Becky Morgan and his grandson, Blake Ingram.
A Celebration of Life Visitation for family and friends will be held on Friday, June 19, 2026 from 5:00 to 7:00 PM at Striffler Hamby Mortuary, 4071 Macon Road, Columbus, Ga 31907.
