He was preceded in death by his father, James Benjamin Donelson; his mother, Mary Frances (Rowell) Donelson; and his brother Charles Dale Donelson.
Jerry served proudly in the US Navy on the USS Wright from 1961-1967.
He is survived by his wife of 39 years Carol Donelson; his children Joel Donelson, Tina Thomas (husband Kenny) and Karla Madhusudan (husband Raj); and his step-daughter Charaine Argentine (husband Peter). He also leaves behind three grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.
There will be no public funeral service.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in his name to: Athens Church of the Nazarene, 509 Robbins Rd. Athens, TX 75751 OR Wounded Warrior Project, woundedwarriorproject.com.
