Donnie Ray NeSmith

Services to honor and celebrate the life of Mr. Donnie Ray NeSmith, 75, of Alexandria, will be held on Thursday, October 30, 2025, at 1:00 PM, at Anniston Memorial Funeral Home with Dr. Mike Holcomb and Bro. Rodney Gardner officiating. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service. Immediately following the service Donnie will be laid to rest in Maple Grove Cemetery with military honors.
Donnie was born on May 27, 1950, to the late Hershell NeSmith and Minnie Mae Little NeSmith. He was a proud Vietnam veteran, serving his country in the United States Air Force during the Vietnam War. Donnie worked and retired from the Anniston Army Depot where he ran the Tire Shop. He and his wife, Teri, owned and operated Encore Beagles, where he supported his wife in their career of "Top Winning Show Beagles". After retirement, Donnie worked with EduStaff through the Calhoun County School System and subbed throughout the school system. Donnie's most prized possession was his wife of 40 years, whom he supported through everything and never minded telling you all about her. Donnie's first love was his wife, but second was his beagles, and third was Alabama football. Donnie was a Baptist by faith and a member of Life Church in Oxford.
Those preceding Donnie in death were his parents; two sisters, Lisa NeSmith Warf and Carolyn Gorman; and his cat, Kitty Girl.
Left to cherish the memory of Donnie are his wife of 40 years, Teresa "Teri" Character NeSmith; his daughter, Amanda M. Bailey; his son, Steven Michael Phillips (Laura); one brother; six grandchildren; 6 beloved beagles; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Pallbearers for Donnie include Scott Young, Roger Sawyer, Joey Johnson, Tom Medley, Chris Faulkner, and JayDee Hubbard.
The family would like to extend a special thanks to Amedysis Hospice for their loving care and help during this difficult time.