Donald Lee "Donnie" Prisock Jr.

Donald (Donnie) Lee Prisock, Jr., 72, went to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on December 26, 2024 at his home in Starkville, MS.
He was born on July 20, 1952, in Starkville to Donald Lee Prisock, Sr., and Virginia Bailey Prisock. A lifelong resident of Starkville, Donnie was a 1972 graduate of Starkville High School. He married Amy Heair Prisock on July 18, 1992, at Grace Presbyterian Church in Starkville.
Donnie used a wheelchair all his life after being born with cerebral palsy, but he did not let that slow him down. He spent 9 years in a school for children with cerebral palsy in Jackson, MS, before becoming the first student with a disability to enter Starkville Public Schools. Donnie grew up loving sports of all kinds. While in high school, he received a letter jacket as "The Number One Fan" from the football team.
Upon graduation from high school, Donnie went to Mississippi State University, where his love of learning and sports continued. In 1977, mechanical engineering students and faculty built him a customized "Bulldog Buggy" that provided independence for Donnie that he had not had before. He was able to zip around Starkville and go to work with no assistance.
While a student at MSU, he pledged Sigma Alpha Epsilon and had an active fraternity life that resulted in lifelong friendships. He received bachelor's degrees in psychology and social work and a master's degree in counseling from MSU.
He knew he would have to earn his PhD elsewhere if he wanted to work at the university he loved. He and several friends "bit the bullet" (his words) and commuted every other weekend to the Jackson campus of the University of Mississippi where Donnie earned his PhD in higher education. He achieved his dream of becoming Dr. Donnie Prisock, fondly referred to by many as "Doc."
He started his 31-year career at MSU as an academic counselor with the athletic department and then moved into the job he was meant to have – working with students with disabilities as the coordinator of Student Support Services.
During his career, he received several awards, including one for leading the transformation of Mississippi State into one of the most accessible campuses in the SEC and the United States. Donnie was also named as one of President George H.W. Bush's "Heroes" during MSU's graduation commencement address in 1989.
The Prisock/Bailey Endowed Scholarship was created in 1999 in honor of Donnie and others and is used to help students with disabilities attend MSU. In 2003, Donnie's accomplishments were recognized during the state's first Celebration of Achievement sponsored by the Mississippi Department of Rehabilitation Services and the Mississippi Society for Disabilities. In 2014, MSU's College of Education Donnie Prisock Diversity Award was created in his honor as an alumnus "who has demonstrated leadership and commitment to promoting diversity and is considered a role model and advocate for diversity at MSU."
One of his favorite memories was being asked to be the motivational speaker for the 2012 and 2013 MSU baseball teams under the leadership of Coach John Cohen. Donnie and his family traveled with the team to all away games, and he was presented with a College World Series ring in 2013 after making the trip to Omaha. He was a member of the Bulldog Club and the Dugout Club. Donnie was also the motivational speaker for women's basketball under Coach Vic Shaeffer and women's volleyball under Coach David McFatrich. Donnie, or "Doc," as the athletes called him, was loved by all.
Donnie inspired others with his positive spirit, determination, perseverance, humility, and kindness. A member of Grace Presbyterian Church, he was open about his faith and shared Christ in all he did. He knew he had a purpose, and that God had a plan for his life. He was a light to all who knew him.
He is survived by his wife, Amy; son, Wil (Sasha); grandson, Wesley; his loving attendant and friend, Hannah Edmonds; and a large extended family. He was preceded in death by his father, Donald Lee Prisock, Sr., and mother, Virginia Bailey Prisock.
Visitation will be from 5:00 -7:00 p.m. Friday, January 3rd at Grace Presbyterian Church, with the Celebration of Life/Memorial Service being held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, January 4th at the church as well. Donnie requested that everyone wear MSU attire or colors to visitation and service. A private family graveside service at Memorial Garden Park Cemetery will be held prior to the memorial service. Welch Funeral Home is handling arrangements.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be given in Donnie's memory to Grace Presbyterian Church, 525 Academy Road, Starkville, MS, 39759.