Donald Benjamin Brady, Jr.

Donald Benjamin Brady, Jr., age 86, a loving husband, father and grandfather from Thomaston, Georgia, passed away peacefully February 3, 2026. Donald was born in Lancaster, PA to Donald and Lillian Brady.

He joined the National Guard at an early age and then served 36 years in the US Army, retiring as a Command Sergeant Major. During his service, he served as a US Ranger, a medic and a Green Beret, now known as Special Forces. He served four tours in Vietnam where he was awarded a Purple Heart, two Bronze Stars, a Silver Star, the Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry with Palm and the Meritorious Service Medal with one Bronze Oakleaf Cluster. Donald was also awarded the prestigious Order of Military Medical Merit, awarded to those who have made significant, long-term contributions to the United States Army Medical Department and who have demonstrated exceptional integrity and moral character.

His retirement was spent traveling and cruising with his family, where his favorite destinations included Hawaii, New York, Myrtle Beach, Alaska, the Caribbean, Orlando and various National Parks. He loved spending quality time with his family watching football, relaxing by the pool and spending quiet hours reading by the fireplace. One of his favorite past times was watching and feeding the wildlife in his backyard, to include deer, raccoons and chipmunks.

Donald is survived by his six children: Crystal Davidson (Kyle) of Lancaster, PA, Wilhelmina Wilhelm (Amy) of Lancaster, PA, Helena Butts (Marcus) of Columbus, GA, Heidi Brady of Greenville, SC, Donna Woodcock (Dwayne) of Charlotte, NC, Donald Brady III (Eda) of Columbus, GA; two step-children: Michael Dondelinger (Alice) of Marietta, GA and Nicole Stokes (David) of Sandy Springs, GA; one sister, Michelle Brady of Lancaster, PA; and numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Donald was preceded in death by his loving wife of 32 years, Linda Brady and his parents Lillian and Donald Brady Sr.

While he will be greatly missed, his life lessons and words of wisdom will live on through those whose lives he touched.

The family will receive friends on Thursday, February 5, 2026 beginning at 5:00pm at West Cobb Funeral Home in Marietta, Georgia with a memorial service immediately following at 7:00pm. Donald Benjamin Brady, Jr., CSM Army veteran, will be laid to rest with full military honors at Fort Mitchell National Cemetery in Fort Mitchell Alabama on Friday, February 6, 2026 at 11:00am. The graveside service will include a military honor guard, rifle salute and the presentation of the flag.

Online guest book at www.westcobbfuneralhome.com