It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Mr. Donald Abner Belcher, Sr., a cherished resident of Bainbridge, Georgia, who left this world on January 2, 2026, at the age of 93 in Tallahassee, Florida.
His departure marks the end of a long and fulfilling life filled with service, love, and unwavering faith that inspired those around him. Surrounded by the legacy of a devoted family man, Donald’s gentle presence will be deeply missed in the community he called home for so many decades.
Born on October 10, 1932, in Pelham, Georgia, to Norwood and Lois White Belcher, Donald grew up with strong roots in the region that shaped his character. He graduated from Bainbridge High School and pursued studies at Valdosta State University before answering the call to duty, enlisting in the United States Navy on January 3, 1952. Serving proudly for eight years, including active duty during the Korean War aboard the USS Repose—a hospital ship—he continued in the Navy Reserves until 1960, embodying the quiet dedication of his generation.
Donald’s love story with Eva Ann Ellison began on a blind date in Tallahassee when she was still a high school senior, sparking a romance that blossomed into 71 years of marriage. Near the end of his active service in San Diego, he took leave to return home and elope with her, later formalizing their union in Donalsonville, Georgia. He often recounted with a smile the adventure of getting a flat tire on the old Flint River bridge en route to their wedding, a tale that captured the enduring spirit of their partnership.
A pillar of faith, Donald was an active and devoted member of his church for many years, serving as a Sunday School teacher and finding profound joy in studying the Bible. His charitable heart extended to numerous organizations and individuals in need, always guided by a deep love for sharing his belief in Jesus with others. This commitment to kindness and spiritual growth defined much of his daily life, leaving a lasting imprint on friends, family, and strangers alike who benefited from his generosity.
Preceded in death by his parents and sisters Bobbie Duke and Mary Ann Belcher, Donald is survived by his beloved wife Ann—affectionately known forever as his “Darlin’”—along with their six children: Donny Belcher Jr. (Sheron), Woody Belcher (Missy), Alyce McCarty (Gary), Jim Belcher (Susan), Georgia Long (Donny), and Barbara Hinson (Lofley). He also leaves behind ten grandchildren, twenty-one great-grandchildren, and a wide circle of nieces, nephews, and cousins whose lives were enriched by his wisdom and warmth. In their stories and shared memories, his legacy of love and faithfulness endures.
The family will receive friends from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. on Monday, January 5, 2026, in the Cadwell Chapel of Cox-Ivey Funeral Home, offering a time for reflection and support among those mourning his loss. A private graveside service will follow, honoring his wishes for an intimate farewell. As the Bainbridge community reflects on a life well lived, marked by service to country, devotion to family, and steadfast faith, Donald Abner Belcher, Sr.’s example continues to shine as a beacon of quiet strength and enduring grace.