James Milton Donovan Sr.

James Milton Donovan, Sr., affectionately known to his close friends and family as Chief, passed away of natural causes at the age of 96 at his home on April 23, 2022. A life-long resident of Autauga County and graduate of Marbury High School, he was the son of the late Walter Dennis and Mary Effie Rogers Donovan. He was a disciple of our Lord Jesus Christ, accepting Him at the age of 14 and joining White Pond Baptist Church where he was an active member to the day of his passing. He served our Lord through His church by taking leadership roles in Sunday School, mission trips, multiple committees and singing in the choir. He was also active in denominational work with the Autauga Baptist Association and served on the Board of Directors of the Alabama Baptist Foundation for eight years. He demonstrated his Christian values in his secular work being employed for a brief period with the United States Postal Service, before beginning a career in the banking industry with the Bank of Prattville (now Hancock-Whitney Corp.). His compassion for people and his keen sense of finance and business served him well during his fifty years of service that saw him rise through the ranks to become a loan officer and ultimately the bank’s Senior Vice-President. Throughout his career, he aided the ongoing growth of Autauga County by making countless business and personal loans that fostered the local economy and benefited local families. He served on the bank’s Board of Directors, was active in the Alabama Bankers Association, and was awarded the Presidential Citation for service from the American Bankers Association. His love for his family was as strong as his love of the Lord. He was a devoted and faithful husband, loving father, proud grand/great grandfather, and a friend to many.

He was preceded in death by three brothers, three sisters, a daughter (Deborah Donovan Hunt), a grandson (Patrick Harris Donovan) and a great-grandson (Walt Thomas Holderfield). He is survived by his wife of almost 72 years, Lizette Harris Donovan; Sons and daughters-in-law, Rev. & Mrs. James M. (Sandy) Donovan, Jr., Mr. & Mrs. Michael H. (Margaret) Donovan, and Mr. & Mrs. Ralph Collier (Jae) Hunt all of Prattville; Grandchildren, Rev. & Mrs. Ryan (Jennifer Donovan) Street of Houston, TX, Mr. & Mrs. David C. (Stephanie) Donovan of Montgomery, AL, Mr. & Mrs. Adam (Jessica Donovan) Strickland of Hoover, AL, Captain Zachary & (Captain Chelsea) Donovan of Wahiawa, HW, Mr. & Mrs. Trever (Emily Donovan) Manley of Prattville, AL, Mr. & Mrs. Nathaniel (Whitney Hunt) Wright of Andalusia, AL, Mr. & Mrs. Chris (Lauren Hunt) Moras of Prattville, AL , Mr. & Mrs. Stephen (Alane Hunt) Holderfield of Prattville, AL, and; Great-grandchildren, Grant Banner Street, Victoria Joy Street, Mary Harris Donovan, Carter Andrea Donovan, Bailey Jameson Strickland, Emma Jayne Donovan, Nathaniel Lancaster Wright, John Collier Wright, Natalie Ann Moras, and Hannah Jane Holderfield; and several beloved nieces, nephews and cousins.

Funeral services will be held at 1:00pm on Wednesday, April 27, 2022 in the Chapel at Ridouts Prattville Chapel, 347 E. Main Street, Prattville, AL, with graveside services immediately following at Prattville Memory Gardens. The family will receive friends prior to the service from 11:30am to 1:00pm. Pallbearers include grandsons and grandsons-in-law with honorary pallbearers being members of Mr. Donovan’s Sunday School class, long-time friend, Mr. Winston Hollon, and retired surviving employees of the original Bank of Prattville.

Out of concern for everyone’s health and protection, the family respectfully requests that all attendees wear face coverings. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made to White Pond Baptist Church, 1155 County Road 49, Marbury, AL 36051.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.ridoutsprattvillechapel.com for the Donovan family.