William Robert Donovant, Sr. age 84, formerly of Stultz Road, Martinsville, died Sunday Nov. 27, 2011 at Blue Ridge Rehab Center in Martinsville. He was born December 23, 1926 in Henry County to the late James and Ethel Sands Donovant. In addition to his parents, he was also predeceased by his wife, Lillie Mae Brim Donovant, two brothers, Jimmy and David Donovant, three sisters, Betty Ruth Donovant, Mary Martin, and Dora Keith, one great grandson, Michael Ryan Parsons, and one great granddaughter, Autumn Lamkin.
He was a Navy veteran of WWII, and of the Pentecostal Holiness Faith. He retired after 30 years service with Gravley Clock Company, and also worked for Henry County Plywood and cut pulp wood.
He is survived by 5 sons, William Robert, Jr., Ronnie Lee, Bobby Dean, and Timothy Douglas Donovant, all of Martinsville, and Allen Ray Donovant of Fieldale, 7 daughters, Patricia Goad and Yvonne Thornton of Martinsville, Beatrice Elizabeth Jamison, Mary Ruth Kendrick, Barbara Jean Hall, and Sharon Lynn Baker of Bassett, and Linda Darlene Harris of Stoneville, NC, 2 brothers, Roy Lee and Herman Donovant of Bassett, 32 grandchildren, 45 great grandchildren and two great great grandchildren.
The funeral service will be held on Wednesday, November 30, 2011 at 10:00 a.m. in the chapel of Roselawn Funeral Home with Rev. Wayne Handy officiating the service and interment in the Roselawn Burial Park. The family will receive friends on Tuesday, November 29, 2011 from 6-8 p.m. in the chapel of Roselawn and at other times at the home of a daughter, Patricia Goad, 1833 Figsboro Road, Martinsville.
Arrangements are by Roselawn Chapel Funeral Home.