Calvin Donald

James Calvin Donald, age 77, known by his family as “Pop”, was welcomed into the arms of Jesus on Monday, February 13, 2023, in the presence of his family, while under the care of the amazing staff at the Hospice at VA Community Living Center in Biloxi, MS.

As a young man, Calvin joined the U.S. Marine Corps and served in the Vietnam War as a Sergeant. He was awarded the Navy Unit Commendation by the Secretary of the Navy during his time in “Operation Starlight”. He then participated in “Operation Harvest Moon”, during which he received a gunshot wound to the right leg in December 1965. For his wounds, he was presented with a Purple Heart Medal and a Republic of Vietnam Wound Medal. He and his unit later received the Presidential Unit Citation, which is equivalent to an individual Navy Cross Medal, the second highest medal in the United States Naval services for heroism and bravery. He personally was awarded a Combat Action Ribbon, equivalent to the Army’s highly honored Combat Infantry’s Badge, and he received the Cross of Gallantry, Vietnam Medal.

He was proceeded in death by his parents, Alfred and Mamie Donald; and his sister, Fredna Cook.

He is survived by his loving wife, Jeannie Donald; sister, Gail Donald Hambrick (Dave); sister-in-law, Ginger Ray; daughter, Rhonda Wentzell (Kyrt); son, Neal Donald; nephews, Matthew Hambrick, John Cook and Chris Cook; niece, Alison Keefe (Shawn; and daughter Emery Keefe); grandchildren, Rachael Lee (Matthew), Rebecca Wilson (Kenneth), Kolyn Wentzell, Kyra De Oliveira (Daniel), and Karsyn Wentzell; great-grandchildren, Trevor James Terrell, David Calvin Parkhill, Zoey Lee and Enzo Wilson; as well as a host of other relatives and friends.

He was a follower of Christ, a loving husband, a wonderful father, grandfather and great-grandfather, beloved brother, uncle and friend. He was kind and extremely generous to his family, friends and beloved Veteran brothers and sisters.

Calvin’s family would like to extend their most sincere gratitude to the medical staff at Memorial Hospital; Encompass Rehabilitation Center; Andrew Hilton, Mishala Barney and Barbara Armstrong from All Ways Care; all of the angels who work at the Hospice @ Biloxi VA Community Living Center; everyone at Riemann Family Funeral Home in Biloxi; Pastor Mike Minnis and Pastor Stephen DeFazio of Northwood Church.

Services will be held on Tuesday, February 21, 2023, with visitation starting at 10:00 a.m. and funeral service at 11:00 a.m. at Riemann Family Funeral Home, 274 Beauvoir Rd. Biloxi. Interment with military honors will follow at Biloxi National Cemetery, 400 Veterans Ave. Biloxi, MS.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks to please consider making a donation to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

“He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.” - Psalm 91:1”

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