Billy Joe Donaldson

Billy Joe Donaldson, a cherished father, brother, and friend, passed away peacefully on Saturday, August 23, 2025, at Coleman County Medical Center in Coleman, Texas. He was born on August 30, 1936, in Kingston, Oklahoma, and graduated from Davidson High School.

Billy devoted many years of life to his career, beginning with significant roles at Safeway and JC Penney. He later fulfilled his entrepreneurial spirit by owning a convenient store in Gallup, New Mexico for many memorable years. His professional journey was a testament to his dedication and hard work.

A proud veteran, Billy served in the United States Air Force from 1958 to 1966. He held a deep love for his country and took immense pride in his military service, embodying the values of duty and honor throughout his life.

Billy was known for his enjoyment of reading the Bible and his passion for connecting with others. His friendly nature and desire to engage in meaningful conversations allowed him to form lasting bonds with the many people he met throughout his life. He found great joy in his time spent in Coleman, particularly at Emmanuel Baptist Church, where he cultivated his spiritual life and community relationships.

He is survived by his children, Randal Donaldson, Eric Donaldson, Theresa Sisneros, Joseph Donaldson, and Kristy Donaldson; one stepson, David; thirteen grandchildren; and numerous great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren. Billy is also remembered fondly by his sisters, Betty Cauble, Pat Garrison, Tommie Alamanza, Bobbie Machen and husband Bobby, and husband Johnny, and Jimmie Burns.

Billy is preceded in death by his parents, Joe Donaldson and Liddie Ann Crow Donaldson; his loving wife, Lela Mae Donaldson; one sister, Jackie Gamble; one stepdaughter, Dorothy Merrill; and one brother, Joey Burns.

A viewing service will be held on Friday, August 29, 2025, from 12:00 PM to 5:00 PM at Stevens Funeral Home, located at 400 W Pecan St, Coleman, Texas, 76834.

His warm spirit and loving memory will remain forever in the hearts of those who had the privilege of knowing him.

The family requests with gratitude that memorial contributions be made in memory of Billy to the Coleman Senior Center, P.O. Box 785, Coleman, Texas 76834 or to Texas Veterans Helping Veterans at www.helpingtexasveterans.org.

We invite you to share fond memories and words of comfort and condolence with the Donaldson family by signing the guestbook on Billy’s tribute page at www.stevensfuneralhome.com. Stevens Funeral Home is honored to serve the Donaldson family.