Donald Owen Willoughby, 77, died on August 9, 2026, in his home in Fortson, GA with his loving family by his side.

Funeral services with military honors will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Thursday, August 13, 2026, at St. Mark Church, 6795 Whitesville Rd. Columbus, GA 31904 according to McMullen Funeral Home and Crematory, 3874 Gentian Blvd., Columbus, GA, 31907. Reverend Jeremy Alexander will be officiating with Norman Dunlap assisting. The family will receive friends for visitation following the services at the church.

Donald was born on January 9, 1949, in Norfolk, VA, to the late Woodrow and Hazel Blassingham Willoughby. He and his wife, Beth, were married 56 ½ years. Donald served in the U.S. Army as a medic. He continued through the ranks and in the Vietnam War received four bronze stars with V Device for valor. He attended Fishburne Military School in Waynesboro, Virginia and James Madison University in Harrisonburg, Virginia, where he played basketball. Donald was an avid softball player, outdoorsman, enjoyed gardening, and went to the gym every day. He was a devoted husband and an amazing father, father-in-law, and grandfather. Donald was awarded the Cross and Flame by Troop 400 as both his sons attained the rank of Eagle Scout. He was a long-time member of St. Mark Church, where he sang in the choir and served in various committees.

Donald is survived by his wife, Patricia Beth Willoughby, of Fortson, GA; his sons, Donald Willoughby, Jr. (Laura Laye Willoughby), of Hamilton, GA, and Clay Willoughby (Lindsey Rae Howard Willoughby), of Columbus, GA; his grandchildren, Owen Willoughby, of West River, MD; Peyton Willoughby (Faith), of Columbus, GA, and their children, Charlotte and Dawson; James Willoughby, Andrew Willoughby, and Quinley Grubbs, all of Columbus, GA; his sister, Judy Rae Collins, of Raleigh, NC; his sisters-in-law, Jacque Willoughby, of Norman, OK, Helen Reed, of Watkinsville, GA, and Debbie Curry, of Raleigh, NC; and many nieces and nephews.

Donald is predeceased by his parents, Woodrow and Hazel Willoughby; his brother, Larry Willoughby; his brothers-in-law, Randall Reed and Mike Reed (Debbie).

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be sent to: St. Mark Church 6795 Whitesville Road Columbus, GA 31904