Donald Mathias Jr.

Donnie was known to fellow drivers as “Sharpshooter” and spent more than 40 years of his life driving diesel semi-trucks nationally. Donnie fully believed he was “the best truck driver on Earth” and would tell that to anyone. He was greatly admired for his ability to get you anywhere in the United States without an atlas, but by memory. He was truly a human GPS and often told his kids and grandkids “I’ve drove more miles in reverse than you’ll ever go forward.”
 
Donnie married Allison, the love of his life, on February 18, 1995 and in 29 years of marriage, they raised three children together, who were undoubtedly the light of his life. Their children went on to give them 11 grandchildren and he became affectionately known as “PawPaw”. Donnie’s grandkids were the apple of his eye. A funny joke and a bear hug from PawPaw could fix anything wrong in the world.
 
You could find no better friend than Donnie. He had many nicknames: Don, Big Don, Big Daddy, etc, and no matter what you called him, he came through for you just the same. His loyalty to his family and friends was unmatched. Without a doubt, a true friend ‘til the end.
 
When Donnie wasn’t on the open road, you could find him enjoying nature. An avid hunter and fisherman, Donnie took great pride in his hobbies. He could catch anything in water with a broke back jitterbug, and rarely did you see his shirt missing a tail during hunting season. When he wasn’t hunting or fishing, you could find him tinkering in the yard. Donnie was the family mechanic and he could fix any vehicle you put in front of him.
 
Donnie rededicated his life to Christ on October 30, 2016 and was baptized at Little Springs Baptist Church in Poughkeepsie, Arkansas, where he later became a member. Donnie was a loyal, faithful, and devout servant to the Lord, his church, and his church family and friends.
 
On March 3, 2024, Donnie departed this life surrounded by loved ones and went on to dwell in the house his Lord and Savior prepared.
 
He is preceded in death by his grandparents, Rissie & Carol Cornish; parents, Geraldine & Ray Cruthirds; two sisters, Cheryl Wisdom and Ruby “Peanut” Trest; father and mother-in-law, Gordon & Alice French; and special friend, Ricky Thornton.
 
Donnie is survived by his loving wife, Allison French Mathias; children, Janet Haney, Thomas “TJ” Haney, and Sara Mathias; brother, Randy Mathias; sister-in-law, Amy French; brother-in-law, Jeff French; and special friends, Steve & DeeDee Clark, Michael & Vivian Mobley, Brian Snyder, his pastor & pastor’s wife, Brother Sammy Bennett & Sister Tammy Bennett; several nieces and nephews, as well as a host of other family and friends.
 
Donnie’s legacy carries 11 grandchildren: Drew Logan, Bella Logan (Gavin), Reiss Logan, Thóng Nguyen (Eve), Thóung Nguyen, Thomas “Baby TJ” Haney Jr, Avery Bazzelle, Xavier Bazzelle, Nevaeh Johnson, Navarrey “Tonka” Gamble, and Jaxon Anderson. Donnie sadly passed the same month his first great-grandchild, Tao Nguyen, was due to be born.
 
A celebration of life for Donnie will be held, Saturday, March 23, 2024, 2 p.m. at the Little Springs Missionary Baptist Church on Hwy. 58 in Poughkeepsie.

Arrangements are by Qualls Funeral Home of Cave City.