It is with heavy hearts and cherished memories that we announce the passing of Donnis Wayne McWilliams, who left us peacefully on October 22, 2026, surrounded by his family. Born July 5, 1950 in DeRidder, Louisiana, Donnis was the beloved son of Martin Luther and Effie Mae McWilliams. He had a roguish personality…he was mischievous, funny, a little ornery, and charming in his own way, leaving many of those who knew him with colorful memories to reflect on.
Donnis graduated from DeRidder High School in 1968. He carried a lifelong pride for his brief tenure at Bible College in Fort Worth, Texas. He was a veteran, and proudly served his country in the US Navy from 1970 to 1972 during the Vietnam War. He was eager to share that he attended military training in “Rotten” Groton, CT and served aboard the USS Wahoo (SS-565), a diesel submarine, where he earned through intense study and dedication his “Dolphins” (Submarine Warfare) Qualification. Donnis continued to maintain close ties with his service connections and community veterans throughout his life, remaining an active member of the VFW, Masonic Lodge, and Shriners.
In 1973, Donnis married the love of his life, Florence. Their 53-year marriage was a testament to enduring love, partnership, dedication, and Flo’s tolerance. They were blessed with three wonderful and caring children: Donnis McWilliams (Rachel), Jessica Edwards (Derek) and Amanda Cantrell (Marty). Together, they raised their family with strong values, humor, and warmth. Donnis’s quirky sense of humor and boundless enthusiasm for life left an indelible mark on all who knew him.
Donnis embarked on a diverse career path, initially joining his father in the insurance business for 20 years. His entrepreneurial spirit led him to various odd jobs and the ownership of local DeRidder convenience stores before finding his true calling as a traveling salesman. Donnis had an innate talent for connecting with people and never met a stranger. His family recalls one of his catchphrases, “I’ll buy if you fly,” always finding joy in the simple act of running errands, and sharing stories.
Donnis was a man of many interests, delighting in crossword puzzles, car and game shows, and weekend card games with friends who became like family. He was a jack of all trades, applying low-budget and practical fixes that seemed to defy logic, yet always held strong. His life was a mosaic of unforgettable moments, and his legacy will be cherished by those who knew him.
He is survived by his devoted wife, their loving children, and a legacy of grandchildren: Jacob, Daren, Lucas, Katelyn, Evan, Jack, and Samantha, along with his great-grandchildren: Aaliyah, Kaia, Rustin, and Dawson. He also leaves behind his cherished nephew, Chad McWilliams. Donnis was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Linza Harold McWilliams.
The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the nurses, aides, therapists, and physicians who provided compassionate care to Donnis and Florence throughout his journey. In lieu of flowers, donations in Donnis’s memory may be made to the Shriners Hospital in Shreveport, Louisiana, an organization close to his heart.
As we mourn the loss of a husband, father, grandfather, and friend, we also celebrate the life of a man who lived fully, loved deeply, and laughed heartily. Donnis Wayne McWilliams will forever remain in our hearts, his stories perpetually shared, and his spirit eternally cherished. We encourage you to be silly. Bring home a sweet treat for your loved one (he used to hide candy behind his back and have us pick a hand). Laugh, even in the hard times. And always end with “I love you” no matter what.