Garden City - Donald "Donnie" Joseph Barras, 83, died on Tuesday, 01/09/18. To fulfill his wishes, he peacefully transitioned into eternal life at his home surrounded by his family and close friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Sidney and Rena Barras and his daughter, Cindy Barras Dowd. Donnie was born in his parent's home on July 22, 1934 and grew up in the Sugar Refinery Village in Port Wentworth, GA. He also established residency with his own family in the village until it was removed. The family then moved to Garden City where he resided for 50 years. Donnie was proud of his Cajun Heritage. His wife, Carole often called him a "Hard Headed Cajun" while gritting her teeth. He was a graduate of Benedictine Military School, Class of 1953. While at Benedictine, Donnie was Neatest Cadet for 3 years thanks to his mother. His pride and love of his alma mater resulted in endless hours of volunteering for the school. He especially enjoyed filming the football games for the Athletic Department. In recognition of his service, he received the Colonel Stephen S. Koszewski Award for distinguished service, loyalty and volunteer activity for Benedictine Military School and Priory. After graduation following family tradition, Donnie was employed by the Savannah Sugar Refinery where he began working on the Paint Gang. At the time of his retirement after 42 years of employment, he was the Mill Superintendent. His family would say he bled sugar. He was a member of the Sugar Refinery's retirement group, The Over the Sugar Hill Gang. Being a fun loving person and man that loved to tell jokes was right in line with Donnie being a member of the pantomime group, The Mute Nanny's. The group would perform comedy pantomime shows at different venues in Southeast Georgia. Anyone who attended a show never forgot it. Donnie was a life long communicant of Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church. He was devoted to his Catholic faith and performed various duties for the church. One of his favorite times was cooking shrimp with his best friend, Roy Gillikin for the church's annual fund raiser. He received the 2011 Lifetime Achievement Award from the Knights of Columbus for his unswerving faithfulness and loyal dedication. The Diocese of Savannah presented him the Gartland Award which is the highest and most prestigious award that is bestowed for hours of time volunteered and immeasurable effort to others. One of Donnie's passions was coaching. He coached little league baseball and football for many years both in Port Wentworth and Garden City. It made him especially proud when he would run into players in later years that would call him "Coach" and mentioned how he had impacted their life. Bobby Murray, Aaron Hall and Ted Boyd coached with Donnie in Garden City. They formed a bond and friendship that Donnie treasured. Through his lifetime, Donnie enjoyed racing go-karts, water skiing, hunting, golfing and watching his children/grandchildren/great-grandchildren play sports. He had a special talent and love of woodworking. The many pieces he made for his family are now considered priceless.
Donnie is survived by his wife of 64 years, the love of his life, Carole Bercegeay Barras. He had 5 children; Cindy Dowd, Vallie Williford (Ronny), David Barras (Joye), Christy Nunley (Ricky), and Dannie Barras; 12 grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren; a brother, Roland Barras; several nieces and nephews.
Pall Bearers are his seven grandsons; Ronny Williford, Clint Williford, Jamison Dowd, Joseph Barras, David Barras, Dylan Kennedy, and Ricky Nunley. Honorary Pall Bearers are The Over the Sugar Hill Gang.
The visitation will be on Friday from 5 until 8 p.m. with the Rosary to begin at 7:00 pm in the chapel of the funeral home. The funeral mass will be on Saturday at 10 a.m. at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church with burial to follow at Bluffton City Cemetery.
Remembrances may be given to Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church, 501 South Coast Hwy, Port Wentworth, GA 31407; THA Island Hospice, 1000 Town Center Blvd. #303, Pooler, GA 31322 or to Benedictine Military School, 6502 Seawright Drive, Savannah, GA 31406.
Friends may sign the online register book at www.stricklandandsonsfuneralhome.com
Thomas C. Strickland & Sons Funeral Homes – West Chatham Chapel – 901 W. Hwy. 80 – Pooler, GA 31322 (912) 748-2444