James Earl Donahue

Mr. James Earl Donahue of Matthews, NC passed peacefully on Sunday morning, October 30th in the comfort of the home that he built in 1956. Earl had just celebrated his 95th birthday on October 22nd. After a brief illness and stay at the hospital the family was pleased to honor his wishes and bring him home to be with his beloved cat and surrounded by his loving family.

He was born in Wingate, NC to the late Spofford and Verla Donahue, the oldest of 4 boys and 1 sister.

Earl proudly served his country in the Merchant Marines and after 3 trips overseas, returned home to marry his high school sweetheart, Helen Parker. They were the first to be married in the ‘new’ sanctuary at Faulk’s Baptist Church. Earl will be laid to rest next to Helen at the beautiful cemetery there.

Through correspondence learning, Earl educated himself for a successful career as a Senior Electrician with Southern Railway (Norfolk Southern). He enjoyed his job and his 38.5 years at the railroad.

Upon his retirement, Earl and Helen enjoyed traveling to Sugar Mountain, NC annually, trips with the Seniors from First Baptist Church of Matthews and multiple trips around the U.S. with Christian Tours. What he loved most of all was helping his family and friends in any way. Earl had a heart of gold and was always there to lend a helping hand.

He was a longtime member of First Baptist Church of Matthews where he faithfully served and attended for over 60 years.

Earl is preceded in death by his loving wife of 73 years, Helen Parker Donahue. He is survived by his son, Donald (Chris) Donahue of Indian Trail, NC and his daughter, Deborah Brown of Weddington, NC; granddaughters, Nichole Smith (Jason) of Raleigh, NC and Jennifer Robinson of Matthews, NC. He had one great granddaughter, Mila Robinson.

The family will receive friends at First Baptist Church of Matthews on Saturday, November 5th from 11am-12pm with a service to celebrate the life of Earl Donahue beginning at 12pm. A small graveside service will follow at Faulks Baptist Church Cemetery in Marshville, NC.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations in Earl’s honor be sent to Samaritan’s Purse, PO Box 3000, Boone, NC 28607. https://www.samaritanspurse.org/our-ministry/donate-online/

McEwen Funeral Home of Monroe is honored to serve the Donahue family.