Donald Wayne Pickens

Donald Wayne Pickens 71, of Oxford passed away on Tuesday, November 10, 2020 surrounded by his loving family. Donnie was born in Lithonia, GA to the late Marvin Pickens and Martha Pickens Halcome. In addition to his parents he is preceded in death by his sister Gloria Young. Donnie is survived by his loving daughters and sons-in-law, Dana (Charles) Bryans, Monica (Chris) Van Horn, Beth (Michael) Whalen, grandchildren Heather, Haley, Hannah, Allison, Kristin, Julia, Liam, 3 great grandchildren, sisters and brothers-in-law Pat (Ed) Nolan, Karen (Roy) Robinson, brother Michael Pickens, mother of his children Patty Morrell, and many other loving family members. Our daddy was the most amazing Daddy and Pawpaw anyone could have ever asked for. He was also the toughest person around. He fought off cancer, survived a three story fall from a scaffold, shattered bones, escaped a horrible house fire, a quadruple bypass surgery, kidney failure and countless other nearly catastrophic events. He could handle absolutely anything and never complained about it. He was smart. He learned many hands-on trades and worked hard all his life - fixing tractor trailer trucks, laying tile, electrical work, plumbing, and a variety of other construction projects. If anything was ever broken, we could always call Daddy to fix it. He was a true Jack-of-all-trades. Daddy didn’t need much to be happy; just to be around the people he loved the most- his three daughters, six granddaughters and one grandson - his “buddy.” He found so much joy in the simplest of acts - slipping $100 dollars in our pockets for every birthday and holiday, fishing, hunting, and walking through the woods. He loved old guns and had quite a collection of them. He loved to tinker and build new stuff out of old stuff - new guns from old guns, new lawn mowers from old lawn mowers, new campers from old ones. He hated to see anything go to waste. As Daddy grew older, his love and compassion for his family grew deeper and stronger. It is so difficult to lose someone who loves you so much. We are so very grateful that we got to hold his rough and calloused fingers for a few more days, whisper “I love you’s” in his ear and comb his silky gray hair. We love you so much Daddy and will remember you with funny stories and quirky phrases. You were truly the best Daddy ever. We love you a million gillion and one, Danar Ranar, Moni mook mote, and Beffer Sneffer A Visitation for Donnie will be held on Friday, November 13, 2020 from 10am until 11:45am at Wheeler Funeral Home 11405 Brown Bridge Rd Covington, GA. After the visitation we will go in procession to Lawnwood Memorial Park for a Graveside Service at 12 pm. Condolences may be sent or viewed at www.wheelerfuneralhome.com. Due to the current COVID-19 regulations, our staff is committed to taking care of our guests and families that we serve. Please understand we will be following the State’s COVID guidelines. We also ask all guests and family members attending visitations and services to please bring and wear a mask while in the building, and are encouraged to practice social distancing. Those who are unable to attend we understand, and appreciate your thoughts and prayers.