May 28, 1928 — March 20, 2015

VIDALIA — Funeral services for Johnnie Ladd Donald Sr., 87, of Vidalia, who died Friday, March 20, 2015, will be at Vidalia First Baptist Church at 1:30 p.m. Monday with the Rev. Ralph Webber and the Rev. Bill McCullin officiating.

Burial will follow at Greenlawn Memorial Park Cemetery in Natchez, under the direction of Young’s Funeral Home.

Visitation will be from noon until service time Monday at the church.

Donald was born on May 28, 1928, in Preston, the son of James Matt Donald and Lizzie Viola Luke Donald.

He was a resident of Vidalia and a member of Vidalia First Baptist Church where he was a member of the church adult choir. Donald was the owner of Donald Camper Village and retired after 45 years of service with International Paper Co. He was a member of the Quarter Century Club, Recreation Vehicle International Association and Louisiana Automobile Dealers Association. Donald supported the local schools and sports activities and was considered one of their most dedicated, committed supporters and encourager. He loved spending time with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Donald proudly served his country in the United States Army during the Korean Conflict.

He is preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Ray and Russell Donald; sisters, Ester Chisholm and Hazel Entrekin; and grandson, Joseph Higgins.

Survivors include his loving wife of 63 years, Essie Mae Taylor Donald; sons, Johnnie Ladd Donald II of Vidalia and Gerard W. Donald and wife, Regina, of Baton Rouge; daughters, Pamela Higgins and husband, Jimmy, and Teressa Reynolds and husband, Eddie, all of Vidalia; grandchildren, Jim Higgins, Miranda Higgins, Natalie Higgins, Glen Allen Donald, Rod Donald, Johnnie Ladd Donald II, Jerry New, Keisha Fitt and Rebecca Parker; 21 great-grandchildren; and a number of nieces, nephews and friends.

Pallbearers will be Jim Higgins, Glen Donald, Rod Donald, Johnny Ladd Donald III, Reggie Chandler, Ryan Thibadeaux, Adam Probst and Terrell Fife.

Honorary pallbearers will be Pat Galloway, Pat Biglane, Jay Welch, Claire Shields, Tommy Probst, Chuck Mayfield, Bo Strahan, Louis Foster, Roy McKenny, Rick Barfield and Dr. Kenneth Stubbs.