Ricky Joe Donithan

Mr. Ricky Joe Donithan, 72 of Fries, VA entered Heaven peacefully on Sunday, September 7, 2025 surrounded by his family. He was born in Galax, VA on December 8, 1952. He is preceded in death by his wife, Vicki Roberts and his mother, Jackie Shupe.

He is survived by his daughter and son-in-law, Tiffany and Jody Poole; step daughter, Amy Beamer (Richard); step son, Zane Roberts; his father, Jerry Shupe; brother, Barry Shupe (Sharon); and his favorite people - his grandchildren, Logan Beamer (Emily), Carrie Phillips (Kane), Kati Caldwell (Brandt) and Chase Poole (Bell); great grandchildren, Barrett and Kansas Phillips; several special cousins also survive.

Rick was a very loved retired school teacher. He was more often referred to as "Mr. D", "Feathers", or "Fez" by those that knew him well. He had some of the best "buddies" in the world and would often tell you that – Bill Davis, Gary Burris, and Boomer Farmer.

Rick did not want a sad service. Instead, he would want you to think of him today and smile, maybe think of one of his famous jokes or lines. That's more of his style.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to the Fries Community Center. Rick spent many days there as a kid and even throughout his life watching his grandkids there.