A Life Story

James Darnell "Donnie" Fears age 65 passed on, on September 27, 2024, peacefully with his brother and his Great Dane "Mickey" at his side. After a courageous 7-year battle with cancer, he went home to be with his Lord in the home he was raised in and dearly loved as a child. A lifelong resident of Burnside Island, he was the youngest of three children born to the late Robert Lee and Mary Frances Fears of Savannah.Donnie graduated from Pathway Day School where he played football and basketball. Donnie would then become a member of the Local 188 Pipefitters Union where he initially worked a number of years at Alloy Welding and later via the union hall at numerous facilities throughout the Savannah area. He retired after 40 plus years of service. Donnie grew up with unfettered access to the Burnside River and all the surrounding creeks and barrier islands. From sunrise to sunset, he loved being in the river either water skiing, fishing, shrimping, crabbing, or joy riding the rivers and creeks. Fishing became a favorite pastime for Donnie and early in his life it transitioned into a lifelong adventure, a pastime which he shared fellowship with many of his friends. Donnie acquired a Great Dane puppy he named "Dixie" and immediately, introduced her to his passion of fishing the creeks and rivers of Green Island sound and Ossabaw Island. He was a familiar sight on Burnside Island and could be seen driving the roads in his vintage blue 1966 Chevrolet pickup truck with Dixie (and later Mickey) by his side. Donnie was generous with his knowledge of fishing and enjoyed taking friends to his favorite fishing spots.His fishing trips with Dixie later became an Emmy winning local television series called "Fishin' with Dixie". Each episode featured Donnie and Dixie hosting friends at some of his favorite fishing spots. In time Donnie added a new venture to his life experience. In partnership with his friend Jeff Thomas, the two formed a corporation, developed and then began marketing a popping cork called the Burnside Bopper. Donnie was a frequent visitor to Ossabaw Island and enjoyed spending time visiting with Mrs. Sandy West (island owner) and roaming the roads and beaches of the island. He loved the island and had an immense appreciation for the history and beauty of this special place.Donnie's journey can only be described as a life well lived. He was a devoted Christian, long time member of Compassion Christian Church and lived his life as a Christ follower. He was an outdoorsman who along his journey in life absorbed all nature had to offer.Later in his adult years, he opened his home to a new Great Dane named Mickey. He also began making his own brand of customized fishing rods (Dixie Dog Custom Rods) for saltwater trout and drum fishing…rods which were signed and given to many of his lifelong friends. He also enjoyed sitting on his dock with Mickey watching the sunsets over Green Island sound.Donnie was preceded in death by his parents Robert Lee and Mary Frances Fears. His surviving siblings are a brother Robert Lee "Bobby" Fears, Jr and his sister Sharon Lee Daniel (Noel). He leaves behind two nieces Sherrie Oliver (Chad and great nephew, Alston) and Melissa Smith (Patrick) and countless friends.A sincere word of appreciation to Chip & Debbie Wallace for their invaluable care and love of Donnie for so many years and especially when he needed it most.A visitation and celebration of life service will be held at Fox & Weeks, Hodgson Memorial, Friday, 10/4/24 beginning at 9:30am. Interment will follow at Bonaventure Cemetery. Remembrances can be made to Compassion Christian Church or Samaritans Purse.