Donald Daniel Jackson, 62, died Nov. 8, 2014.

He was born Dec. 15, 1951 in Rockville Center, N.Y. He spent the last 31 years with his family in Dawsonville.

Donny was a driven professional with a fanatical love of football, bowling and racquetball, as well as devout love for his lord and savior, Jesus Christ.

When diagnosed with lung cancer in 2012, he remained dedicated to his family and in his will to fight his illness. He remained a brave, ever-faithful man, even throughout his final moments.

Donny loved his family and friends unconditionally.

His mother, Ruth Jackson; sister, Jody Lofstrom and his nephew, Brandon Fatz, preceded him in death.

Survivors include his wife of 37 years, Shelley Jackson; daughter, Kali Chappell; son-in-law, Brandon Chappell; grandson, Brayden Chappell; son, Adam Jackson; daughter-in-law, Karleigh Jackson; grandson, Evan Jackson; daughter, Jordan Lenior; son-in-law, Jacob Lenior; grandson, Jaxon Lenior; beloved granddaughter, Alleigh Lenior; various other relatives also survive.

A celebration of his life will be held from 2 to 6 p.m. Nov. 15 in the Gordon Pirkle Room of the Georgia Racing Hall of Fame. A small service will be held at 2:30 p.m., however, feel free to drop in and celebrate Donny's life at any time.

In lieu of flowers, donations were requested made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Wounded Warriors, or the American Cancer Society.

Bearden Funeral Home of Dawsonville is in charge of the arrangements.