Donnie Joe YANCEY (VETERAN)

SECURITY SPECIALIST US Air Force
January 13, 1957 - May 29, 2015

*Obituary

Donnie Joe Yancey, son of Carol Jean Yancey and the late Billy Joe Yancey, was born January 13, 1957 in Batesville, Arkansas. He departed this life May 29, 2015 at his home in Violet Hill, Arkansas at the age of 58 years, 4 months and 16 days.
He married Debbie Billingsley June 24, 1977, and to this union three children were born. He spent his life as a loving son, brother, nephew, cousin, husband, father, “papa”, provider and friend. The most important descriptor for him was, “a born again follower of his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.” As such, he was an active member of Highland First Assembly of God.
His work life included two passions, law enforcement and farming. He was honored to have served in the United States Air Force as a Security Specialist. After military service and his return to Arkansas, Donnie served as an Izard County Deputy Sheriff and Sargent Field Rider for the Arkansas Department of Corrections. From 1995-1998, he fulfilled a life long dream of serving two terms as Izard County Sheriff. He then joined C.P.I. (Civilian Police International) and served tours of duty in Kosovo and Iraq. As Chief Inspector of the Kosovo Police Service, he provided leadership to nearly one thousand national and international police officers. He transitioned to the farm in 2007, and began building his cattle business. In 2012 he launched Yancey Poultry.
He is survived by his wife of 37 years: Debbie Yancey of the home; one son and daughter-in-law Joshua Joe and Sabrina Yancey of San Diego, California; two daughters and two sons-in-law: Lindsey Yancey-Gandy of Violet Hill and Jeremiah Gandy stationed in San Diego, California; Kara and Nathaniel Snearly of Ash Flat; five grandchildren: Kaizer Joe and Keagan Yancey of San Diego, California, Krayson and Hadleigh Snearly of Ash Flat, and Lucas Gandy of Violet Hill; his mother: Carol Yancey of Violet Hill; two brothers: Stevie Gene Yancey and wife Stephanie of Horseshoe Bend, Terry Lynn Yancey and wife Karen of Wichita, Kansas; nephews and nieces: Jeremy and Janet Yancey, Dawnyel Yancey, Jerod and Lindsey Yancey, Lacey and Troy Hartman; aunts and uncles: Loyce and Bertha Mae Billingsley, Charlie and Gaye Ramsey, Barbara Martin, Lois Tate-Byram, Lonnie and Bonnie Hutchins; cousins: Saundria Ash, Cindy Weaver, Ricky, Ronny, and Mark Billingsley, Tammy Puett, Matt Ramsey, Crystal and Jimmy Martin, Chris and Steven Tate, Jason and Rodney Hutchins, and a host of other relatives and good friends. He was preceded in death by: his father, Billy Joe Yancey; his grandparents, Stanley and Ova Tate, Eldon and Epper Yancey.
Visitation and funeral services will both occur at Highland First Assembly of God. Pastor Chris Clem, Reverend Joshua J. Yancey, and Dr. Terry L. Yancey will officiate.
Visitation: Tuesday, June 2nd, 6pm-8pm Funeral: Wednesday, June 3rd, at 2pm
Burial will be at Violet Hill Cemetery under the direction of Eddie’s Family Funeral Home. Memorial contributions may be made to Highland First Assembly of God Building Fund, 33 Meadowbrook Drive, Highland, Arkansas 72542.
Pallbearers: R. C. Donahoe, Mark Miller, Ricky Crook, Clint Wiles, Anthony Gleghorn, and Donald Britnell.
Honorary Pallbearers: Dennis Sublett, Dan Tebow, Bill Ross, Billy Green, Glen Alexander, and Billy Griffin.

Contributed on 11/27/16 by sandhollow
Email This Contributor

Suggest a Correction

Record #: 1162739

Don't Follow