Donald Wayne Aldridge, Jr.

Donald Wayne Aldridge, Jr., also known as Donnie, Bug, Diddy, and Poppie, met his Heavenly Father on May 21, 2025 at the age of 67 after a hard fought battle with ALS. He passed peacefully in the comfort of his home surrounded by loved ones. Donnie was an amazing husband, son, father, and Papa. He guided his family in faith and wisdom. He knew how to make those around him feel loved and special.

Donnie was a faithful husband to his wife Kim James Aldridge whοm he married on June 18, 1977. They were married for 47 years where they have spent numerous hours on their back porch, on the river, or in the swamp building memories together. They raised two daughters, Jennifer A. Rose (John); Jessica A Souter (Jamie).

He is also survived by his mother Carol Yvonne Aldridge and two siblings, Nina A. Roney (Bryan), and Joel Aldridge. Also surviving are his mother-in-law, Delene James, and sister-in-law, Susan J. Germani (Gino)

Donnie loved and was so proud of his four grandchildren- Lindy Rose, Garrison Rose, Jared Aldridge, and JC Souter. He would do just about anything for his grandbabies whether it was dressing up for his “princess,” attending sporting events, or taking the boys fishing. Donnie also leaves behind numerous nieces and nephews that he loved dearly.

Donnie went to Camden County High School where he graduated in 1975 and received a basketball scholarship at Brewton Parker. Following his education, he worked at Gilman Paper Company until it closed. He then became a truck driver for several national and local businesses. During this time, he was able to travel to most of the States. He then returned back home where he worked for Rayonier Paper Mill and ended his career as a Maintenance Supervisor. He retired in 2022.

He was a member of Camp Pinckney Baptist Church where he served as a Deacon and was involved in his Sunday School class. Donnie was a quiet individual, but when he spoke up it was sure to be full of wisdom that pointed you back to Biblical teachings.

He had many hobbies he enjoyed doing with his wife, friends and family. His greatest love was fishing in the swamp with Kim. He would spend hours out on the water cracking jokes, reeling in whatever he could get and dodging gators with the boat. In his later years he learned to love gardening and always had a backyard full of fresh veggies. He enjoyed playing golf and chess and going on cruises with his family. However, Donnie was also known for his skills and mastery of smoking BBQ and grilling at “Rolling Smoke.”

The family would like to send a special thank you to Hospice of the Golden Isles and specifically to Karon Hickox who took amazing care of Donnie, his wife and daughters through his last few days.

The funeral services will be held at 11:00 AM on Saturday, May 24, 2025, at Camp Pinckney Baptist Church. Burial will follow in the Camp Pinckney cemetery. Pallbearers will be Andy Anderson, Ralph Howard, Roney Cooksey, Mike Dees, Bryan Jordan, Harry Picket, Dion Alderman, and Terry Mott.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Camp Pinckney Baptist Church Children’s Ministry.

Donnie’s family extends their sincere gratitude to those who have prayed, stopped by, and checked in on them.