Donald W. Wotring (Donnie) 78, passed away at home surrounded by his loving family on the morning of Tuesday, September 5, 2023 due to complications related to aging.  Born on October 22, 1944 in Kingwood, WV, the youngest of 3 sons to James Robert and Mary Liston Wotring.

Growing up in Thunderbolt/Savannah area, he graduated from Savannah High School class of 1961 and attended Savannah Technical School.

Rather than wait to be drafted, he joined the US Marine Corp in 1964 to carry on the family military tradition. Initially trained as Military Police he was sent to Vietnam and assigned to guarding a POW detention camp. Not seeing enough “action,” he joined the 3rd Battalion, 5th Marine regiment Combined Action Program (CAP) training and assisting the local units in defending their towns and villages.  In 1967 he was wounded in action (WIA) and sent back to the States.  Recovering in Walter Reed Hospital in Philadelphia he met his wife of 39+ years, Sally Jo-Ann Davis.

The couple moved to Savannah and Donnie became a pipe fitter as a member of Union Local 188 and an intricate part in the building of Elba Island. The couple raised their 3 children on Wilmington Island and spent time with family and friends at their pool or camping in their Airstream. His career was cut short at the age of 33 when he had a massive heart attack due to injuries sustained during combat and was forced to fully retire.   Later they moved to Midway, GA, where they hosted many low county/crab boils and oyster roasts for their family and friends. 

Being an amputee did not stop him from enjoying life to its fullest.  He was an avid sportsman enjoying hunting, fishing, and boating.  In his younger years he could be found riding a Harley, playing half rubber, and dancing with the ladies at every chance. 

He was a member of the VFW and American Legion Post 184 in Thunderbolt where he could often be found socializing and mentoring young vets. Of his many accomplishments he was most proud of serving his country and passing along family values, American patriotism, and the importance to preserver through all obstacles to his children and grandchildren.

Donnie is preceded in death by his wife, Sally Davis, and his daughter Wendie Lonsdale (Tampa), his brother Robert Wotring (Savannah) and his 2 black labs: Jamaica and Midnight. 

Donnie is survived by his daughter, Mia Crumbley of Savannah, his son James Wotring (Joy) of Ludovici, his loving and devoted granddaughter and husband Nicole Clowers (Josh) of Midway; 8 additional grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren and one on the way; his brother Richard Wotring (Jo) of Thunderbolt and numerous nieces, nephews, great nieces/nephews, his longtime partner Brenda, as well as his current black lab, Journey.

A graveside service will be held at 11:00, Saturday, September 16, 2023, at Forest Lawn Memory Gardens with military honors.  In lieu of flowers, please donate to help America Veteran at an organization of your choice.