Donnie Lawson Smith

Donnie Lawson Smith, 82, of Mount Olive, Alabama, passed away on October 7, 2025, at the age of 82. Donnie was born February 18, 1943, to Lon J. Smith and Bernie M. Davis in Trussville, Alabama. After Donnie graduated from Hueytown High School in 1960, he went to work in Drummonds Coal Mines.

In 1970 Donnie met Mary Francis Potts (Sara) through mutual friends. Donnie and Sara went on to parent three children, Ramona, Wendy and Toby.

Donnie was predeceased by both his parents, Lon and Bernie Smith, his three sisters, Pat, Peggy, and Ann. He is survived by Mary F. Smith, his wife of 51 years; his brother, Jerry Smith; daughters Ramona Eckard and Wendy Fortenberry, and son, Toby Smith. Donnie had eight grandchildren, Alisha Case, Candace Allen, Drake Smith, Joshua Haynes, Zac Fortenberry, Jackson Miller, Hunter Fortenberry, and Hannah Smith, along with 14 great grandchildren and four great-great grandchildren.

A visitation will be held at Ridout's Gardendale Chapel, located at 2029 Decatur Highway, Gardendale, AL 35071, on October 11, 2025, beiging at 10:00 am: funeral service will follow at 11:00 am followed by his burial at Mt Olive Cemetery, located at 3200 Mt Olive Road, Mt Olive.