Arthur Donald “Donnie” Devereaux, 75, of Jacksonville, FL, passed away peacefully on July 12, 2025, after a courageous battle with cancer. A devoted husband, father, and grandfather, Donnie’s life was marked by unwavering faith, tireless work ethic, and deep love for his family.
Donnie was born in Alma, Georgia, to Wilton “Buck” and Sara Devereaux. He grew up in Jacksonville and attended Biltmore Elementary, Paxon Junior High, and graduated from Paxon High School in 1968. He served honorably in the U.S. Army Reserves from 1970 to 1976. In 1975, Donnie met Denese Walker at his brother Ralph’s wedding. They fell head over heels and married later the same year in October – a matrimony that lasted nearly 50 years and stood as a model of enduring love and commitment.
He began a lifelong career with International Flavors and Fragrances (IFF; formerly known as Union Camp and BBA), where he served as a maintenance supervisor for 50 years. Donnie was known as a “jack of all trades,” and there was scarcely a thing he couldn’t fix or figure out. He knew the plant inside and out and ran it to perfection. His endurance and work ethic were unmatched—from climbing columns at work to running river runs and cutting grass at home—even in his final days, he remained a man of incredible strength.
Donnie got saved at age 23 and never turned back. He lived his faith quietly but powerfully, witnessing through actions more than words. A faithful member and deacon at Evangel Temple Assembly of God for over five decades, he deeply loved his Sunday School class and pastors. He taught his children to love Jesus, love their country (and President Trump), and stand strong in their convictions.
Donnie loved to fish and shrimp in his younger years and was an avid Atlanta Braves baseball fan throughout his life. He found joy in cooking for his family—especially fried shrimp, smoked ribs, and pork butts—even when he could no longer enjoy the food himself. He cherished playing cards, traveling with his family, and making memories with his grandchildren, who were the lights of his life.
Anyone who knew Donnie will remember his gentle, kind, and selfless nature. He was thoughtful, dependable, and hardworking—a quiet rock of stability for those around him. He was a man who gave far more than he took, and his enduring strength was something to behold. His life was a testimony of faith, family, and fortitude.
Donnie was preceded in death by his parents, Milton and Sara Devereaux, and his brother, Charles Devereaux. He is survived by his devoted wife, Denise Devereaux; his son Ryan Devereaux; daughters April Silcox (Michael), Kristy Kelly (Jonathan), and Morgan Devereaux; and his cherished grandchildren: Kyler, Kainen, Lilyan, Lincoln, Lylah, and Adeline. He also leaves behind his brothers Larry Devereaux (Pat) and Ralph Devereaux (Donna); his sister Kathy Hartley (Ronnie); and brothers-in-law Randy Walker, Rodney Walker, and Rudy Walker (Joann).
Though Donnie is no longer with us, his legacy lives on through his family and all those whose lives he touched. He will be remembered as a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, friend, and child of Christ.
A viewing will be held Saturday, July 19 at 9:30 a.m. at Evangel Temple Assembly of God, followed by funeral services at 11:00 a.m. with Pastor Jordan Wiggins officiating. Interment at Westview Cemetery. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Frasier Funeral Home located at 8168 Normandy Blvd., Jacksonville, FL 32221. Special thanks to Cancer Specialists of Northeast Florida, UF Shands Proton Center, and the Douglas Center Community Hospice for their extraordinary care and support.
“Well done, good and faithful servant.”