Donnie Blakney (9-17-23) service 9-20-23

Donnie Edward Blakney, 70, of the Bruton Branch community of Hardin County, departed this life on Sunday, Sept. 17, at Magnolia Regional Health Center in Corinth, Mississippi. He was born on March 11, 1953, in Corinth, Mississippi, the son of the late Vernon Edward and Judy Charlene Blakney.

He was united in marriage on Jan. 17, 1981, to Carolyn Givens Blakney, who survives. They were married for 42 years.

Mr. Blakney graduated from Pickwick Southside High School in 1971 and studied Petroleum Engineering at Nichols State University in Thibodaux, Louisiana. After leaving the oil industry, he worked as a plant manager for Wolfe Sales, a salesman for Clayton Mobile Homes and project manager for American Construction Services. Working in sales took him all over the country, making many friends along the way.

Donnie enjoyed life and had many hobbies, including boating, skiing, fishing, hunting, golfing and camping. It was rare to find something he had never tried. He loved watching his grandkids grow up and was proud to tell of their accomplishments. He loved music. He also enjoyed helping and volunteered for many events and organizations through the years including, Country Christmas, Hee-Haw and Darryl Worley’s Party on the Water. But most important to him was getting to be with his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

In addition to his wife, Carolyn Blakney of Savannah, he is survived by his children, Channin Young (Clay) of Stantonville, Tennessee, Cristy McDonald (Mark) of Savannah, Kaila Littlefield (Greg) of Savannah, and Timmy Blakney of Nashville; grandchildren, Shanea Hardy (Bryan), Dylan Gattis (Annie), Dustin Blakney (Madalyn), Dakota Blakney, Kenly Woods (Austin), Jace Littlefield, Ella Littlefield, Jett Littlefield, Demi Littlefield, and Gray Littlefield; great-grandchildren, Kenzie McDonald, Ava Ann Nguyen, Harper Blakney, Cora Blakney, Jonsey Blakney, and Jude Blakney; twin brother, Ronnie Blakney (Dee); sister, Sylvia Cooper (JC); and brothers, Johnny Blakney and Ritchie Blakney (Kristy).

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by one granddaughter, Taylor Morgan Hardy.

Gone way too soon, a good man who loved his family, friends, and community.

Memorial Services were held on Wednesday, Sept. 20, at Shackelford Funeral Directors in Savannah, with John Robinson officiating. Burial followed at White Sulphur Cemetery in Pickwick Dam.