He was born in Andalusia, Alabama on April 13, 1937. Donald graduated from Phillips High School in Birmingham, Alabama in 1955 and received a Business Degree from Contra Costa College in San Pablo, California in 1964. He was married to Janie Mae Powell on July 6, 1957 in Reno, Nevada.
Donald had a career in the grocery industry for Safeway Stores Inc. for 36 years. He was an active member of the United States Navy from 1955-1959 and a reserve member from 1959-1961. He was a member of the First Baptist Church in Chandler, Arizona from 1991-2022. He had a passion for golf, football and his family.
Donald is survived by his wife, Janie Mae Salmon; three sons, Donnie, Ricky, and Terry; grandchildren, Melissa, Todd, Cathy Jane, Amber, Sara, McKenna, and McCartney; great-grandchildren, Max and Cris; brother Ronald and sister Lyn; numerous brother-in-laws, sister-in-laws, nieces, and nephews. He is preceded in death by his sister Bobbie Jean.
Donations can be made in Donald's honor to the America Heart Association and flowers are welcome.