Donald Alvie Harrelson

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Donald Alvie Harrelson of Dothan, Alabama, passed away at his residence on September 4, 2026. He was 83 years old. He was born December 21, 1942, in Andalusia, Alabama to William Alvie Harrelson and Applys Alma Harrelson. He graduated from Straughn High School in 1961. He married Wavene Danford on December 24, 1964. He worked in the Opp Cotton mill and then relocated to Dothan, Alabama in 1968. At that time, he began working for Colonial Baking Company from 1968 through 2004. He received the Salesman of the Year award several times throughout his tenure. He was part of the Wiregrass Rose Society where he won several awards as well.

He was very involved in the local church for his entire life at the Pentecostals of Dothan. There he was very involved in music, playing the guitar and leading congregational singing for more than 45 years. He greatly loved Southern Gospel music and attended many concerts. He taught the youth Sunday School class for decades and had hundreds of students attending. He was a remarkable Bible scholar despite never attending a seminary. He loved the Word and solid biblical preaching. He was an avid reader.

He was predeceased by his parents, William Alvie Harrelson and Applys Alma Harrelson and a brother, Charles Harrelson. He is survived by his wife, Wavene Harrelson of almost 62 years. He is survived by sons Philip (Teresa) Harrelson and Mark (Stephanie) Harrelson. He is survived by two sisters, Ruby Padgett and Roberta Pate. His grandchildren include Justin (Alyssa), Nathan (Tabitha), Lauren Harrelson, Lyndsay (Mitch) MacPhee, Zachary (Trinity) Harrelson, and Benjamin (Katelyn) Harrelson. His great grandchildren include Asher, Adilyn, Lainey, Reagan, Emmie Reese Harrelson and Raelyn, Elowyn MacPhee, and Henry Harrelson. There are two more great grandchildren on the way.

A funeral service will be held at Ward-Wilson Funeral Home on September 9, 2026, at 3 PM, with Pastor Philip Harrelson, Bishop Joe Patterson and Pastor Mark Harrelson officiating. There will be a viewing preceding the service at 2 PM.

Serving as pallbearers will be Justin Harrelson, Nathan Harrelson, Zachary Harrelson, Benjamin Harrelson, Mark Harrelson, Philip Harrelson, Asher Harrelson, and Henry Harrelson.