Donald Odell “Donnie” Dooley, 72, of Roanoke, passed away peacefully on Saturday, August 22, 2020, at Lewis Gale Medical Center in Salem. He was born on October 14, 1947, in Roanoke, Va. to the late Damon Odell and Elizabeth Steber Dooley.
Donnie was no stranger to hard work and faithfully served the citizens in Roanoke City within the water and sewer department, for over 25 years prior to retiring. He was proud that he was able to be a part of the team that helped in the pipe laying project at Carvins Cove that supplies Roanoke and surrounding areas with drinking water. Donnie had a love for old cars, motorcycles, and boating, and could be found bowling at times, however, his passion in life was fishing. Especially his deep-sea fishing in the search for Marlin.
Above all, he will be remembered as a loving husband, father, grandfather, and friend to anyone that truly knew him. He will be missed!
In addition to his parents, Donnie was preceded in death by his brother, Elwood Damon Dooley; and his sister, Arbadella Dooley.
Family remaining to cherish his memory includes his wife of 54 years, Jean Dooley, of Salem; four sons, Richard Wayne “Ricky” Dooley (Sondra), Robert, D. Dooley, both of Salem, Raymond Thomas Dooley, of Montgomery County, and Ronnie A. Dooley, of Roanoke; sister, Barbara Baldwin, of Roanoke; six grandchildren, Desi, Ricky Jr., Cody, Evan, Eli, and Rose; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Funeral services to honor Donnie’s life will be conducted on Wednesday, August 26, 2020, at 2 p.m. at John M. Oakey & Son funeral home in Salem, with Pastor Chris Kingery officiating. Interment will follow at Sherwood Memorial Park in Salem. The family will receive friends from 1 p.m. until time of service on Wednesday at the funeral home.
Expressions of sympathy may be expressed by visiting www.johnmoakey.com