Alfred Donaldson
October 30, 2015

Stephenson-Dearman Funeral Home 943 Highway 425 North Monticello, AR 71655 Map & Directions Stephenson-Dearman Funeral Home 943 Highway 425 North Monticello ,  AR 71657 11/4/2015 from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Map & Directions Graveside Service Flat Creek Cemetery Flat Creek Road Fountain Hill ,  AR 71642 11/5/2015 at 10:00 a.m. Map & Directions   Flat Creek Cemetery Fountain Hill, AR 71642

The good food, good nature and good memories of Alfred R. Donaldson are recalled by his family and friends now, after his passing on Friday, October 30, 2015 in Bryan. If “men are that they might have joy,” then no man loved his life more.
Alfred was born in Fountain Hill, Arkansas, on April 16, 1949, to James Wilson Donaldson and Josephine Duggar Donaldson, into a family of eventually six brothers and one sister: Virginia Donaldson Kelley, George Donaldson, Ronnie (Debbie) Donaldson, Wade (Martha) Donaldson, Curtis (Ann) Donaldson and two predeceased brothers, Kathy and the late James Donaldson, and Nathan Donaldson. More than anything, Alfred loved roaming the hills near his home with his brothers and often went hunting and fishing before school, as well as camping and playing basketball in his free time. This is when he discovered how much he loved outdoor living and clean country air, but especially retelling the stories lived there: Alfred loved to throw horseshoes and talk.
After graduating from high school in Fountain Hill, Alfred served his country and state by enlisting into the Arkansas National Guard. But the greatest day of his life arrived when he met Robbie Davis Donaldson at the hamburger joint where she worked. Sitting on a stool or in a booth, Alfred longed for the chance to visit with Robbie after catching her eye, ready to impress her with his tales of rough living in the great outdoors. Later, their own adventure together began with their marriage on November 3, 1972. In time, they had two sons: Alfred Donaldson, Jr. and Kevin Donaldson. More than anything, Alfred loved his family. Throughout his life, his home with Robbie and their boys became known as a house of warmth and love, where guests were well fed with Alfred’s good home cooking and barbecue and well entertained with his stories. At length, their family expanded to include four grandchildren: Dillon, Preston, Raegan and Kristina; years later came three great-grandchildren: Granger, Axel and Lily.
To make a living, Alfred drove a box truck for twenty-four years as a milkman, working well before most of the world was awake and seeing each day as it dawned, bright and clear. Later, he was employed at Texas A&M University’s Research Center and cared for animals there. His strong work ethic never overshadowed Alfred’s reputation as a jokester with a love for others; he was a man who would stop to help anyone with anything, a true friend.
He lived and loved life with a simple joy, sustained by his affection for family and friends. Likewise, his family now thanks Janelle Bayird Vance and Regina Dalsis for their support.

Family and friends will gather to celebrate and honor the life from 6 to 8 PM on Wednesday, November 4, 2015 at Stephenson-Dearman Funeral Home. A graveside services will be held at 10 AM on Thursday, November 5, 2015 at Flat Creek Cemetery in Fountain Hill, Arkansas. Arrangements by Hillier Funeral Home in Bryan, Texas and Stephenson-Dearman Funeral Home, Inc. Online guestbook www.stephensondearman.com.