Donnie is a graduate of Drew High School and graduated from the University of Arkansas at Monticello with a music degree. He was a trained singer and loved to demonstrate for people how he could sing in foreign languages. Donnie played piano, organ, drum, and saxophone. While in college, he was a drum major for the UAM marching band. He loved to "clown" while marching to show off his skills.
Donnie was a member of First Baptist Church of Monticello, Arkansas. He enjoyed serving as piano player and choir director for local churches. Whether singing or playing the drums or keyboard, Donnie always gave his all to his musical performances. Donnie was an Army veteran who served his country during the Vietnam War.
He leaves to cherish his memory his wife, Gracie Ferrell Stewart; a son Donald Ray (Kristie) Stewart Jr.; stepdaughters, Mae Ferrell and Patricia (David Rochell) Mays; stepsons, Lee (Vickie) Ferrell and Rodney (Ruby) Ferrell; 14 grandchildren, numerous great-grandchildren, along with other relatives and friends.
Funeral services will be Saturday, August 30, 2025, at 3:00 p.m. at Stephenson-Dearman Funeral Chapel with Rev. Graylin Wilson officiating. Burial will be in Oakland Cemetery. You can sign Donnie's guestbook registry here on his page.
Condolences(21)
TOMMY SHAW
GALT, CA Friday, September 12, 2025 SENDING PRAYERSKaniyia Grant
Warren, AR Wednesday, September 3, 2025 My dearest condolences to Mr. Stewart’s family.Ellen L Reed
Green Bay, WI Saturday, August 30, 2025 Sending condolence and prayers to the family. Donnie was well known for his singing and playing several instruments no one could do it like him . RIP you will be missed.Elvin Owens III
Lawton, OK Saturday, August 30, 2025 Uncle Donnie had a great energy and inspirational spirit. He accomplished much, and made an incredible, blessed impact in this world.My prayers to family during this time.
May he rest in Eternal peace.
Wanda Bealer
Monticello, AR Saturday, August 30, 2025 Sending my deepest condolences, love, and prayers to the entire family. May God be with each one of you today and the days to come.Wanda Bealer
Monticello, AR Saturday, August 30, 2025 Sending my deepest condolences, love, and prayers to the entire family. May God be with each one of you today and the days to come.Freddy & Katherine Robinson
CHICAGO, IL Saturday, August 30, 2025 Mrs. Gracie & familyWe are so sorry for your loss. Donnie Ray was a wonderful person. I had the privilege of growing up right next door to him. May the love of God and the support of family & friends surround you during this difficult time.
Sallie calbert
Monticello Ar, AR Saturday, August 30, 2025 Donnie you will certainly be missed your singing, playing the piano, joking around and that smile said it all.Arlette Allen
Warren, AR Friday, August 29, 2025 Deepest condolences to the Stewart and Ferrell families. Although I did not know Bro Stewart personally, he must have been a remarkable man to have left such a loving legacy in the lives of all who had the privilege to cross his path. Grace and peace to the family...Shelia &Danny Ratledge
Monticello, AR Thursday, August 28, 2025 Our deepest condolences to the family of Mr.Stewart .we didn't personally know him but just wanted to take a moment and say Thank you Sir for you service.The Ratledge Family
Melanie Rawls
Monticello, AR Thursday, August 28, 2025 I had the pleasure of meeting Donald at UAM a pleasure to be around in school and later years in church. My condolences to the family.Melanie Rawls
Monticello, AR Thursday, August 28, 2025 I had the pleasure of meeting Donald at UAM a pleasure to be around in school and later years in church. My condolences to the family.Remona e
Texarkana, TX Thursday, August 28, 2025 Condolences to the family of Donald Stewart. We played in the UAM band together.He was a joy to be with.
RIP Donald...🌹🙏🌹
Glenda Nichols
Monticello, AR Thursday, August 28, 2025 My prayers are with Mrs. Gracie and her family.Sherry Higginbotham
Monticello, AR Wednesday, August 27, 2025 My thoughts and prayers are with Mrs Gracie and the rest of the family! I adored Mr Donnie !Marilyn Elaine Matthews
North Little Rock, AR Wednesday, August 27, 2025 Gracie and family:May God give you comfort during this time of sorrow. Much prayer for you all.
Marilyn
Bethlehem Baptist Church
Mansfield, TX Wednesday, August 27, 2025 Dr. Michael A. Evans, Sr., Senior Pastor, Rev. Zachariah Johnson, Executive Pastor, and the members of Bethlehem Baptist Church-Mansfield, Texas extend our heartfelt sympathy to the Ferrell and Stewart family. We are praying for GOD to engulf you with his comfort and peace during this very difficult hour. We remind you that "Earth has no sorrow that Heaven cannot heal." May GOD bless and keep you is our continuous prayer.Sherry Higginbotham
Monticello, AR Wednesday, August 27, 2025 My thoughts and prayers are with Mrs Gracie and the rest of the family! I adored Mr Donnie !Martha Barbee
Monticello, AR Wednesday, August 27, 2025 Mr. Stewart was such a kind person & ALWAYS had a smile on his face. Praying for his family & friends.Gwinnett Orr
LITTLE ROCK, AR Tuesday, August 26, 2025 My condolences. Donnie was a long time friend of the family. His talents and kindness will definitely be missed in the city and surrounding communities. Rest well soldier.Christal
, OK Tuesday, August 26, 2025 Sending up prayers 🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾