Donnie Ray Burton, 73, of Mount Vernon, formally of Columbia, died Sunday, January 25, 2026, at Rockcastle Regional Hospital.
He was born on March 19, 1952, in Adair County to the late Edgar Ray and Dollie Frances Burton. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister, Brenda Faye Burton Smith.
Mr. Burton was of the Christian faith and an avid horseman. He enjoyed trail riding, horse shows, and horse and mule pulls. In his younger years, you could always find him running the roads from horse sale to horse sale. He also enjoyed playing Rook and watching his best buddy, Jasper, playing sports.
Survivors include his wife of 48 years, Carolyn “Sue” Burton; one daughter, Ashley Rae Hayes (Josh) of Mount Vernon; special niece and nephew that he loved like his own, Micah Wallace (Kaitlyn) and Katlyn Knifley (Jordan); his grandson and best friend, Jasper Ray “Big Dog” Hayes; special great niece and nephew, Myla and Russell Wallace that he loved like his own grandkids; two brothers, Eddie Burton (Annetta) and Rodger Burton both of Columbia; and several special nieces and nephews.
Funeral services were held at 1 p.m. on Monday, February 2, 2026 at Stotts-Phelps-McQueary Funeral Home with burial in the Bearwallow Cemetery.
Bro. Richard West officiated and pallbearers were Micah Wallace, TJ Robertson, Jon Fox, Jordan Knifley, Tommy Burton, and Josh Stargell.
