Donny Lee Talley

Beloved husband, father, and grandfather, Donny Lee Talley, aged 86, passed away peacefully in Houston, Texas on November 21, 2025 surrounded by family. Donny was born in Payne County, Oklahoma on February 11, 1939 to G.L. “Bill” Talley and Lorene Talley. In the 1940s, he moved with his parents, his brother Eddie C. Talley, and sister Marilyn Gay Talley to Pasadena, Texas. Donny graduated from Pasadena High School in 1957 and married his wife of 65 years, Sandra J. Talley, also of Pasadena, Texas, in 1960. He served as a medic in the United States Air Force Reserve from 1962 to 1968. In the 1970s he served as junior warden and co-leader, with his wife Sandra, of The Episcopal Young Churchmen at St. Peters Episcopal Church in Pasadena. He also participated in the sports teams of his sons Colin Talley and Chris Talley during this time. In the 1980s Donny became a marathon runner and completed many events including the Houston Marathon and the New York City Marathon as well as countless 10K and 5K races. Over the years he enjoyed many other sports as well including fishing, bowling, and in retirement golfing with his many friends. He was an avid Houston Astros, Houston Oilers, and Houston Texans fan over the decades. Donny worked for 35 years for the Brown & Root company as an engineering manager, retiring in 1999 after a long and successful career. In retirement he enjoyed spending time with his grandsons Cade C. Talley and Blake W. Talley and attending their sporting and life events. Donny and Sandra traveled widely throughout their lives together and in retirement, including many adventurous international trips. They especially enjoyed traveling in the American southwest, mountain west, and Pacific coast with their recreational camper in the summers for many years during retirement. Donny was an active member of the Bella Vita community of Pearland, Texas for the last twenty years and served on the Men’s Committee and architectural review committee of the community’s association as well as participating in innumerable social events, activities, and celebrations in the community. Donny was a deeply loved husband, father, grandfather, and friend who will be profoundly missed. He is survived by his wife, Sandra J. Talley of Pearland, Texas, his sons Colin L. Talley of Atlanta, Georgia and Christopher L. Talley and his wife Judy S. Talley of Houston, Texas as well as his grandsons Cade C. Talley of Dallas, Texas, and Blake W. Talley of Houston, Texas along with his nephews, cousins, and godchildren. Funeral services will be held at St. Andrews Episcopal Church, 2535 E. Broadway St., Pearland, TX 77581 at 11:00 AM on Saturday, January 31, 2026.