Gary Donahue

On Saturday, December 23, 2023, Gary "Smokey" Donahue, 82, of Branchland, WV took the hand of his Savior and left us for his heavenly home. 

Smokey was born May 20, 1941 in West Hamlin, WV to Homer "Jack" Donahue and America (Merkey) Adkins Donahue.  Smokey was preceded in death by his parents and one brother, Lowell "Whitey" Donahue.  He was also preceded in death by a niece, Sheila Donahue Cremeans and nephew, Jimmy Johnson.  He has also been reunited with a very special nephew, Alex Surber as well as his in-laws Fred and Cuba Browning.

Smokey is survived by his loving wife of over 57 years, Judy Browning Donahue. Smokey lovingly chose to be a father to two children who were always raised in a Christ-centered home-Beth Ann Gross (Richard) and Chad White (Britany).  Beth blessed her daddy with his two oldest grandchildren, Ethan and Mason Gross. Chad brought three beautiful girls into his life-Hailey, Kendra, and Kenzie.  All five of them knew that "Pa" was just magic.  He is also survived by one brother, Jerry "Shine" Donahue (Urna) and three sisters Joyce Stender, Kathy Donahue, and Jeane Johnson (Raybon).

One very special niece, Robbie Donahue, loved him like another father.  The bond and connection they shared was a blessing to behold.

Smokey came to find a father's love for yet one more young, Richard Gross.  Rich first came to Smokey as his son-in-law.  He quickly came to see Rich as a friend, confidant, and soon as a son-just as if he were his very own-a son who held him as he drew his last breath. The pallbearers will be Richard Gross, Ethan Gross, Mason Gross, Brandon Isaacs, Jerry Ross and Jay Davidson.

Funeral services will be 10:00 a.m. Friday, December 29, 2023 at Handley Funeral Home, Hamlin, WV with Lonnie Gore, Lennie Romans and Steve Johnson officiating.  The burial will follow in Ridgelawn Memorial Park, Huntington, WV.  A visitation will be from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday, December 28, 2023 at the funeral home.