Donnie Wayne Grant, Sr.

Donnie Wayne Grant Sr., of Randolph County, Alabama, was born on April 10, 1946, and passed away on April 28, 2026.

Some of the most defining parts of Donnie’s life began at an early age. In the sixth grade, he met Helen Pate, who would become his wife and lifelong companion. They married at just 17 years old and built a life together grounded in commitment and devotion. He often spoke of her as his “high school sweetheart,” a title that remained unchanged even after her passing in November 2011.

Shortly after finishing school, Donnie began his law enforcement career with the Fruithurst Police Department followed by a short stint with the Wedowee Police Department before devoting nearly 35 years of his life to serving the City of Roanoke. He began his career with Roanoke Police Department in September of 1971. Over the years, he rose through the ranks—becoming sergeant in 1979, lieutenant in 1990, and captain in 1998, before retiring in December of that year. His dedication to service continued as he returned to the department part-time from 2002 until 2010.

He was a dedicated officer who spent the majority of his life serving and protecting others. He consistently supported and encouraged his brothers in blue and believed that the badge was not a symbol of power, but one of honor. His selfless commitment to duty meant that, with every shift, he chose the people of Roanoke above himself. Throughout his career, he built meaningful relationships with fellow officers, earning their trust and respect through his steady presence and integrity.

Outside of his work, Donnie found enjoyment in the simple, familiar things. He liked watching WWE wrestling and western movies, listening to Elvis, and reading Shotgun News and Guns & Ammo. He took pride in applying what he learned, spending time reloading ammunition and building firearms. He valued knowledge, patience, and doing things with care.

Above all, Donnie was a family man. He was a son, a brother, a husband, a father, a grandfather, and a great-grandfather, and he carried each of these roles with quiet strength.

He is preceded in death by his wife, Helen Grant; his brother, Bobby Grant; and his parents, LaMerle and L. B. Grant.

He is survived by his children, Donna Grant Brown, Michelle (Don) McManus, Lynn (Pat) Gooden, and Donnie Wayne Grant Jr. (Deana); his grandchildren, Jennifer McManus, Jessica McManus, Hannah (William) Ponder, Josh (Cacey) McManus, Curtis Grant (Ashlyn), and Allison Gooden; and his great-grandchildren, Chloe Graben, Reed Johnson, Winnie Ponder, and Lily McManus; and his brother, Billy (Ruth) Grant.