Donnie Ray Jessie, 78, of Columbia, died Friday, January 30, 2026, at Taylor Regional Hospital.
He was born July 13, 1947, in Metcalfe County, to the late Fred and Bessie England Jessie. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two brothers, Wilbert “Curly” Jessie and Fred Jessie, Jr.; and two sisters, Ziola Jessie Garrett and Vonnie Mae Jessie Walls.
Donnie attended Hadley Community Church and retired from Gate Petroleum.
Survivors include his wife of 48 years, Dean Cowan Jessie of Columbia; his children, Randy Carter (Kathy), Tammy Morrison (Shane), Kenny Jessie (Tanya) and Danny Jessie (Krishana) all of Columbia; his sister, Lois Jessie Sexton of Columbia; his grandchildren, Dustin Morrison (Taylor), Jacob Morrison (Mattie), Reagan Jessie, Daniel Hagerty, Amber Hagerty, Mariah Grant (Jon), Makayla Bradshaw (Austin), Michael Jessie, and Brylan White; his great-grandchildren, Addie Grant, Oaklyn Bradshaw, Amelia Bradshaw and expecting Baby Morrison in May; and several other relatives and friends.
Funeral services were held Wednesday, February 4, 2026 at Grissom-Martin Funeral Home. Bro. Elbert Hadley and Bro. Clifton Cowan officiated.
Burial in Haven Hill Cemetery.
Casket bearers were Shane Morrison, Dustin Morrison, Jacob Morrison, Terry Rowe, Brian Miller, and Johnny Carter.
Grissom-Martin Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.
