passed away peacefully surrounded by his children and loved ones. Preceded in death by grandparents Mr. and Mrs. John L. Donnelly, Sr. and Mr. and Mrs. Earl Whitehead; parents, Skipper and Rita Donnelly; sisters, Kay Donnelly Swineheart and Lolo Donnelly Hobbs; brother, James Paul Donnelly; and his guardian angels, Frances Hunter and Georgia Wallace. Survived by his children, Jessica Donnelly Gorham (Whit), Whitney Donnelly Holt (Keith) and William Patrick Donnelly (Hannah); grandchildren, Georgia, Lillian, Helen and Henry; and his former wife and loving, lifelong friend, Gavin Wallace; brothers and sisters, John P. “Bubba” Donnelly (Chris), Steve Donnelly, Mary Lynn Donnelly, Rita Ann Donnelly and Denise Donnelly Beaty (Alan); Uncle John H. “Jackie” Aaron (Libby); and all of his cousins, nieces and nephews.
Mike attended Saint Henry School and Father Ryan High School. He was a perpetual salesman, working at Levy’s Clothier, Athens Distributing of Tennessee and ultimately founding Mike Donnelly Insurance. Mike especially shined when he was coaching others and helping them to reach their full potential. His ability to notice the underdog and his determination to lift others up was a gift felt by many. Mike had a passion for life! He became deeply devoted to sharing his journey towards health and wellness with everyone he met. Mike will be forever remembered for his love of his three children, his bright smile, twinkling eyes and his beautifully huge heart.
Pallbearers: Bobby Bubis, Drew Donnelly, Jay Donnelly, Ryan Donnelly, Mark Mulloy and Tim Reilly; Honorary pallbearers: Jay Dickerson, Howard Fridrich, Tommy Garmon, Lee Williams and friends of 202
Visitations will be held at St. Henry Church on Wednesday, August 30th from 4:00 - 6:00 p.m. and Thursday, August 31st at 10:00 a.m. A funeral mass will be celebrated on Thursday, August 31st at 11:00 a.m. followed by a burial at Harpeth Hills Memory Garden. Memorials can be made to The Charles Strobel Housing Fund, P.O. Box 25309, Nashville, TN 37202 or Big Brothers Big Sisters of Middle TN, 1704 Charlotte Avenue, Suite 130, Nashville, TN 37203.
