CLARENCE "GENE" DONALDSON

Mr. Clarence Eugene “Gene” Donaldson, age 90, of Crossett, Arkansas, passed away on November 16, 2021.  He was born on October 29, 1931, in Fountain Hill, Arkansas, to his parents, Clarence Vernon Donaldson and Ola Mae Smith Donaldson.  He was a member of First Baptist Church of Crossett for many years.

Upon completion of his service in the U. S. Army in June 1949, he went to work in the paper industry of the Georgia Pacific Corporation, working diligently without complaint for 45 years of days, evenings and the night shifts of operation.  He retired as one of the youngest with the most years of service and was known by his co-workers as “Old Timer”.  Outside of work, Mr. Donaldson hunted and fished, but mostly he loved his garden.  A garden that grew in size every year!

Mr. Donaldson was preceded in death by his parents, his loving wife of 50 years, Betty Jo Stell, mother of their three children.  Also preceding him in death were two sisters, Nancy Carolyn Donaldson Outlaw, and Katherine Donaldson Rice Forrest; one brother, Delbert William Donaldson; one half-brother, Virgil Donaldson; one step sister, Debra Ann Smith and one half sister, Kathy Phelps.

Survivors include his wife, Olivia Marlene Hornaday Donaldson; his three children, Jimmy Dale Donaldson (Cynthia) of Yellville, Judith Ann “Judy” Donaldson Jenkins (Russell) of Harrison, and Janet Lynne Donaldson Cronin (Chris) of Little Rock; one step-daughter, Letitia Pennington (Greg) of Fayetteville; seven grandchildren, Kelly, Justin, Jenny, Mark, Cameron, Matthew and Sydney; three step-grandchildren, Kyle, Tyler and Olivia; nine great grandchildren and five step great grandchildren.

Mr. Donaldson is also survived by two brothers, Doyle Wayne Donaldson (Bonnie) of Crossett and Charles Donaldson (Linda) of Hamburg; one sister, Sylvia Oliver of Hamburg; one half-brother, Glen Donaldson; and one half-sister, Alice Smith.

There will be graveside services held in his memory at Pinewood Memorial Park on Friday, November 19, 2021 at 1:00PM with Hugh Austin and Jamie Staley officiating.  Pallbearers are Mark Jenkins, Justin Donaldson, Cameron Cronin, Matthew Cronin, Kyle Pennington and Tyler Pennington.  Honorary Pallbearers are Phillip Gilmore’s Sunday School Class of First Baptist Church, Crossett.

Visitation will be Thursday, November 18, 2021 from 5:00PM until 7:00PM at Jones Funeral Home.

Funeral services will be under the direction of Jones Funeral Home of Crossett, Arkansas.

The family would like to give special thanks to the ICU staff at Ashley County Medical Center and to Countryside Assisted Living for all of the constant care and love shown to Gene.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to First Baptist Church of Crossett, 701 Main Street, Crossett, AR  71635.

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