Norwood Cullen Donalson Sr.

Norwood Cullen Donalson, Sr. passed away December 2, 2019 at age 90 in Bethlehem, GA. He was born February 3, 1929 in the Bethany community of Bainbridge, GA. Norwood lived his entire life influenced by his youth and his family’s foundations of hard work, Christian service, and commitment to one’s word. The son of a farmer, he delighted in a yearly garden and, as a Christian, loved to serve his church.
Norwood joined the United States Navy in March 1946 and served in Hawaii. Following his military service, he began his career with Georgia Power Company in Bainbridge. His study of electrical engineering permitted his advancement in Valdosta, Waycross, Tifton, Gainesville, and Athens where he retired in 1985 after 41 years.
He was preceded in death by his parents James W. Donalson and Wava Nichols Donalson, his 12 brothers and sisters, and his daughter, Ellen Donalson Brownlee. He is survived by his spouse of 71 years, Sara Ellen Phillips Donalson, a daughter Deborah Donalson (George) Zier, and two sons, Norwood (Sara) Donalson Jr., and David Donalson. He leaves four grandchildren Christine (Bart) Edge, Jason (Carolan) Donalson, Catherine (James) Rush, Scott Zier, and six great-grandchildren, Cullen Donalson, Ben Rush, Liam Rush, Owen Rush, Elle Zier, and Zoey Zier.
Visitation will be Thursday, December 5, 2019 at 10:00am followed by a celebration of his life at 11:00am held at Living Word Baptist Church, 2761 Monroe Hwy., Bogart, GA. Graveside service will immediately follow at Oconee Memorial Park, 2370 Hog Mountain Rd., Watkinsville, GA. Lord and Stephens ( https://www.lordandstephens.com/ ) funeral home will coordinate arrangements for Mr. Donalson and his family.