Sgt. Donald “Donnie” Eugene Canada Jr., age 72, of Aragon, GA, sadly passed away on December 7, 2024, at a local hospital surrounded by his loving family.

Donnie was born in Rome, GA, on September 9, 1952, to the late Donald Eugene “Gene” Canada Sr. and Betty Faye Canada (formerly McKelduff).

He is survived by his loving wife, Deidra Canada; his children, Rusty Canada (Brenna), Bart Canada (Victoria), Nicole Canada, and Julius Canada; his grandchildren, Makenzie Smith, Braxton Canada, Gunner Canada, Grayson Canada, Rory Canada, and Leni Canada; as well as several aunts, uncles, and cousins, many of whom he considered his brothers and sisters.

Donnie was a servant of his community for many years. He served as law enforcement in Rome, GA, Rockmart, GA, Polk County, and Bartow County. He was an EMT and cardiac tech instructor at Floyd Medical Center and was one of seven men who established the ambulance service for 5 surrounding counties.

He also served as mayor pro tempore in Aragon, GA and retired from the Austell police department after serving as a Chief Detective for many years.

Donnie was an avid music lover, lifelong musician, and talented drummer. He started his first band when he was only 15 years old and has been playing music ever since.

He also enjoyed fantasy sports, loved the beach, and had a sweet tooth for ice cream, which he would eat buckets of. Donnie was a big prankster and had a larger-than-life personality, but most importantly he was a family man. He had so much love for his children and his grandchildren, and they were the most important thing in his life. He was an incredible husband, father, and grandfather, and he will be sorely missed.

A Celebration of Life will be held for Donnie on Wednesday, December 18, 2024, at 2:00 p.m. at Henderson & Sons Funeral Home, Oaknoll Chapel.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in Donnie’s name to the Children of Fallen Police Officers Foundation at https://www.policeofficersfoundation.org or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital at www.stjude.org.

Henderson & Sons Funeral Home, Oaknoll Chapel, is proud to serve the family of Sgt. Donald “Donnie” Eugene Canada Jr.

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