After a long and courageous battle with cancer, Cyril Donovan “Donnie” Findley Jr., age 69, passed away from this life at his home on Thursday, November 17, 2011.
Donnie will be remembered for his love of family, his love for his hometown, Bangs, and his passion for the Bangs Dragons and NASCAR racing. But most importantly, he will be remembered for his love of people, his generosity, and his one-and-only brand of humor.
Donnie married his childhood sweet heart, Barbara Jean Lewis, on October 7, 1960. They were blessed to share fifty-one wonderful, fulfilling years together. As the owners of the Bangs Thrift Mart, he worked side by side with Barbara for forty-one years.
Donnie was preceded in death by his parents, C.D. and Velma Findley and one sister, Vickie Findley, all of Bangs.
Donnie is survived by his wife, Barbara Jean Findley; his two sons, Jeff Findley and Lance Weems of Fort Worth; three sisters, Patsy Sinclair of Brownwood, Sammie McClatchy and husband, Garner of Bangs, and Joy Jacobs of Bangs; one brother, Ray Findley and wife, Jean, of Santa Anna; six glorious nieces and three wonderful nephews all of whom were like his own children; and last, but not least a host of past and present employees, which he and Barbara both considered as part of their family.
Donnie was active in the Bangs Community. He belonged to the Bangs volunteer fire department for 25 years, was a longtime member of the local Lions Club International, and a 3rd generation Mason. He served on the city council and the Bangs Housing Authority. He was a member of the Bangs Business Association. Along with Barbara, he was an active member of the First United Methodist Church.
Donnie will be remembered as a loving husband and partner to Barbara, a loving and accepting father to his children, and the “fun” uncle to his nieces and nephews. If friends were gold, Donnie would be wealthy beyond belief.
Congratulations Donnie on a life well lived. You will be missed by one and all.
Service will be held at the Bangs High School auditorium on Sunday, November 20, 2011 at 2:30 P.M. Reverend Michael Redmond and Reverend C. Wayne Lewis of the United Methodist Church will officiate. Davis-Morris Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Pallbearers are: Larry Dean Allen, David Cole, Deral Edwards, John Wayne Green, Jimmy Hunter, Tommy Palmer, and Waymond Shepard.
In lieu of flowers, the family has requested memorial donations be given to the Bangs Independent School District or your favorite charity.
