Donald Edward Koonce

KOONCE, Donald Edward, 79, of Richmond, Va., passed away on Thursday, December 28, 2023. He was preceded in death by his parents John Franklin Koonce, Sr. and Sarah Thorpe Koonce, his brother John Franklin Koonce, Jr. and his grandson John Grayson Chestnutt.

Donnie is survived by his wife of 56 years, Barbara May Koonce; daughter, Cara Koonce McDaniel and her husband David; daughter Amy Koonce Chestnutt and her husband, Jason; three grandchildren, Ella Thorpe McDaniel, Henry Spencer Chestnutt, and William Edward Chestnutt.

Donnie grew up in Blackstone, Virginia and attended Ferrum College and the University of Richmond, where he was a member of Kappa Sigma fraternity. After graduating in 1966, he served in the Army as a First Lieutenant, 7th Infantry Division, and was awarded a commendation medal for his service in Korea. Upon his return, he began what would become a more than four decade career as a trust officer at First & Merchants Bank of Richmond, which eventually became Bank of America. Donnie was also a member of Reveille United Methodist Church.

Donnie will be remembered for his devotion to his family. A sincere and forthright person, he loved weeks at the beach, dinners on the back porch, outlaw country music, college basketball, a well-tailored suit and using a paper clip to hold his money. His keen attention to detail and strong connections to people, places, and memories were displayed in his everyday life and the stories he told.

The family would like to thank Lori Rowland for her companionship and dedication to the care of our parents over the past few years. We are also grateful to Jen Dowda and her team, Kerry Byrne, Cherie Hopkins and Suncrest hospice for their support.

A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. on Friday, January 5, 2024, at Reveille United Methodist Church. Arrangements are by the Joseph McMillian Funeral Home of Blackstone, VA. www.mcmillianfuneralhome.com

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Memorial Service

Friday, January 5, 2024
2:00 PM

Reveille United Methodist Church
4200 Cary Street
Richmond, VA 23221

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