Mr. Roy Graves Donaldson

Age 67

Northport Funeral & Cremation Service family extends our warmest condolences and heartfelt sympathies to the family of Mr. Roy Graves Donaldson. Mr. Donaldson passed away on Sunday, August 18, 2024 in Tuscaloosa, AL. 

With the Sunday paper in hand and CBS Sunday Morning on the TV, Roy Donaldson's week always culminated in his cherished Sunday morning ritual, complete with the comforting aromas of coffee, bacon, and biscuits. It was the moment he looked forward to most. This past Sunday, August 18th, Roy finally experienced the Sunday morning he had long prayed for—joining his Lord and Savior, reuniting with his beloved daughter, Rachel, and looking down with joy as his family continued the tradition he so dearly loved.

Roy is survived by his devoted wife of 44 years, Gwen Banta Donaldson; daughters Tricia Michelle (Toby) Donaldson Nichols of Northport and Allison Paige (Andrew) Sweeney of Birmingham; cherished grandchildren Emily Burch, Brendan Sweeney, and Parker Robbins; mother, Arabella LaBarber; sister, Brenda (Aaron) Lively of Carbon Hill; lifelong friends Robert Dunbar, Rick Gilmore, Bill Lewandowski, and Mike Holdefer; and a loving extended family.

He is preceded in death by his daughter, Rachel Leigh Donaldson Robbins; brother, Charles (Chaz) Donaldson; grandparents, Joseph Brinson Coody Sr. and Mrs. Arrie Belle Coody; his special parents and godparents to his 3 daughters, Dr. and Mrs. W. F. “Bill” Holdefer; and best friend, Doug Royale. 

Roy’s educational journey began at Blessed Sacrament School, followed by his graduation from John Carroll Catholic High School in Birmingham in 1975. He attended Samford University and Queens University of Charlotte, furthering his education by earning his Chartered Property Casualty Underwriter (CPCU) designation in 1992. 

Roy’s 40+ year career in insurance was marked by integrity, honesty, humor, and warmth, which made him a beloved leader in the industry. He started his career with 17 years at USF&G and continued to build his reputation at companies like the Fitts Agency Inc., Church Mutual Insurance, Hull & Associates, and TAPCO Underwriters, where he worked until his passing. 

It was through the insurance industry that Roy met Gwen, the love of his life, whom he married in 1980. Their 44 years of marriage led them across the Southeast—from Alabama to North Carolina, West Virginia, and finally settling in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. Roy’s faith was central to his life, and he believed that his career and meeting Gwen were guided by the Lord’s hand.

To know Roy was to know his love of music, cigars, and Facebook – oh, and to be his Facebook friend! Some of Roy’s greatest joys involved performing as a lead singer and guitarist for several blues bands, becoming the first ever non-inhaling cigar aficionado, sipping Knob Creek and red wine on his patio, listening to his extensive CD and vinyl collection, playing his guitars, and cheering on Alabama football and basketball. His infamous Facebook check-ins and restaurant reviews will be sorely missed, and we’re certain he’s continuing this legacy in Heaven.

He was a man of very few complaints, but a few might include jarred spaghetti sauce, people parking on the street outside his house blocking the mailbox, anyone adjusting his thermostat, touching his newspaper before he had read it, and light switches that weren’t all in the same direction (which, of course, was down). And let’s not forget his subtle signal that it was time for guests to leave—turning up the TV volume until it was clear you could not talk over it. Truthfully, we’re still not sure if he ever actually had a hearing problem.

Roy’s life was a testament to positivity, integrity, character, and the power of strong relationships. His humor and laughter were as constant as his unwavering support for his wife, daughters, family, friends, colleagues, and customers. We say goodbye to Roy Donaldson, celebrating a life well-lived and a man well-loved. His legacy of love, friendship and genuine human connection will forever be cherished by all who were fortunate enough to know and love him. 

A funeral Mass will be held at St. Francis of Assisi University Parish, 811 5th Avenue, Tuscaloosa, Alabama 35401 beginning at 1:30 PM on Saturday, August 24, 2024 with a visitation prior at 12:30 PM. In lieu of flowers, the family asks for donations to be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or another charity of your choice. 

The family wishes to extend a special thank you to Laura from ACG Hospice, Dr. Darryl Outlaw, M.D., Dr. Neil T. Pfister, M.D, Ph.D., and their teams at UAB Hospital for their compassionate care. 

Compassionate, sympathetic, and professional service has been entrusted to the hands and care of the Northport Funeral & Cremation Service Professional Team.