William Donnie “W.D.” Gwaltney Sr., 85, passed away September 3, 2024, at The Lodge At Stephens Lake in Jasper, Ga., following an extended illness. He was born February 25, 1939, in Alexander County to the late Leck Gwaltney and Rosa Lee Bunton Gwaltney.

He was a member of Pilgram Baptist Church and served in the Air Force during the Korean Conflict.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife Dorothye Mae Combs Gwaltney; three brothers, Bobby Max Gwaltney Sr., Dale Gwaltney, and Lynn Gwaltney; and two sisters, Mary G. Tilley and Lexine G. Elliott.

Survivors include longtime companion Mary Seidenfaden of Statesville; one son, William Donnie Gwaltney Jr. and Ashley Mackay of Woodstock, Ga; one daughter, Robin Cook and husband Michael of Hiddenite; three brothers, Gale Gwaltney and wife Diane, Glynn Gwaltney, and Jack Gwaltney and wife Marilee; one sister, Carol G. Bumgarner and husband Lindsay; and one granddaughter, Victoria Norvell.

Funeral services will be conducted Saturday, September 7, 2024, at 5 p.m. at South River Methodist Church. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. Pastor Joe Conley and Danny Elliott will officiate. The family will receive friends from 4 to 5 p.m. at the church.

Chapman Funeral Home is serving the Gwaltney family.