Donald E. Timms

Donald Edwin Timms, 92, of Jonesboro passed away October 10, 2019, at the Flo and Phil Jones Hospice House. He was born in Cain Island, Arkansas, on September 6, 1927. Donald lived a blessed life, overcoming the loss of his father at age 5, surviving a lightning strike as a young boy and twice waging a successful battle against cancer. Donald always found contentment in life, no matter his circumstance.

Donald graduated from Lake City High School at the age of 14 where he was recognized as the Salutatorian of his graduating class. He went on to serve honorably in the United States Army. Following his discharge from the service, he soon returned to Lake City and married LaWanda Thomas of Black Oak. Donald and LaWanda would go on to enjoy 71 years of marriage.

Donald enjoyed a distinguished banking career that spanned 46 years. He was a graduate of the School of Banking of the South at Louisiana State University and he completed studies at the University of Oklahoma, Indiana University and the School of Bank Management at Harvard Business School. He retired as the President of Citizens Bank of Jonesboro in 1993.

Donald served on several bank boards, and his community board service included City Water and Light, YMCA, Salvation Army, Jonesboro Ecumenical Center, Jonesboro Public Library, Jonesboro Foundation of Arts, and the Jonesboro Chamber of Commerce. He was also an active member of the University Heights Lions Club and the Jonesboro Rotary Club.

Donald was a man of strong faith. He leaves his family with a legacy of Christian faith and service. He was a deacon and the Church Treasurer Emeritus at First Baptist Church of Jonesboro. He also served on the Board of Trustees of Williams Baptist College.

In addition to his wife, LaWanda, Donald is survived by his daughter, Suzanne Waddell and her husband Paul of Jonesboro, grandsons Sam Waddell and his wife Taylor of Jonesboro, Matt Waddell of Memphis, Bennett Waddell of Jonesboro, great grandchildren John Thomas Waddell and Caroline Waddell, nephew Harold Thomas of Arlington, Texas, and niece Kim Pappas of Collierville, Tennessee.

Donald was preceded in death by his father, Dudley Timms, mother Edna May Timms and sister Earlene Timms.

A memorial service will be 2:00 p.m. Monday in Emerson Memorial Chapel with Dr. Rodney Reeves officiating. Private burial will be in Jonesboro Memorial Park Cemetery. Visitation will precede the memorial service from 1:00-2:00 in Emerson Chapel. Deacons of First Baptist Church will serve as honorary pallbearers.

For lasting memorials, the family asks that consideration be given to First Baptist Church, 701 S. Main St., Jonesboro, AR 72401