George Rodney Donnell

George Rodney “Rod” Donnell, a lifelong resident of Seymour, departed this life at his home, surrounded by his loving family after suffering a long-term illness, on Wednesday, May 11, 2022 at the age of 76.

Services will be held on Friday, May 13, 2022 at 10:30 a.m. at the First Christian Church with Buck Blackwell, his nephew, officiating.  Burial will be in the Riverview Cemetery under the direction of Archer Funeral Home.

George was born May 27, 1945 in Seymour, the son of James Carroll (JC) and Eileene Studer Donnell and the grandson of Olin and Bertha Studer and George and Saphornia Goodwin.  He worked hard all his life in many types of jobs from working in the oil fields, custom combining and working on helicopters at what was Ft. Walters in Mineral Wells, during the Vietnam War.  But he spent most of his life working on ranches and farming.  His greatest attribute was that he never met a stranger and was always willing to help anyone in need.  His greatest love was for his wife, Norma and his 102 year old mother.  George was preceded in death by his father, JC Donnell; a step-father, CL Ryan; step-son, Michael Hanks; a step-sister, Sherrie Probst; 2 step-brothers, Danny Ryan and Kent Ryan and a nephew, Ethan Lowrey.

He is survived by his wife, Norma Jean Graves Donnell of Seymour; his mother, Eileene Ryan of Seymour; a son, Jason and Sylvie Donnell of Denton; 2 daughters, Toni and Mike Gilmore of La Grange and Terri and Anna Donnell of Graham; 2 sisters, Alyce and Dr. James Morton of Canyon and Mary Griffin of Seymour; a brother, James and Dee Donnell of Seymour; 4 half siblings, Carla Phillips of Coleman, Kaye Wade of Hudson Oak, Lisa Simmons of Weatherford and Earl Donnell of Tuscola, as well as numerous grandchildren, nieces, nephews and cousins.

The family wishes to thank everyone in this wonderful community for their prayers and support.  A special thanks to the nurses, doctors, hospice, EMTs and all the hospital personnel throughout his prolonged illness.  God’s blessings on each one of you.  

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