Donnie Ray Prevatte

Donnie Ray Prevatte, 74 of Wilmington, NC, passed away on Sunday, December 17, 2023, after a short battle with cancer. He passed away peacefully surrounded by loved ones.

Born on November 4, 1949, in Fort Bragg, NC, Donnie was the son of the late Ethel Johnson Prevatte and Harley Prevatt. 

He grew up in St. Pauls, NC and graduated from East Carolina University where he met the love of his life, Cheryl. They were married two years later and moved to Wilmington, NC, in 1973. Donnie worked in several different industries in his lifetime where he met many interesting and wonderful people. He was a member of Pine Valley Baptist Church for many years where he grew to love the Lord and was baptized. He served in many different areas of the church, including the Board of Deacons, during his years there. His love of God shaped his values and guided him throughout his lifetime.

Donnie's devotion to his family was unmatched. He was a wonderful husband to Cheryl, an amazing father to Courtney and Darren, and he always prioritized spending time with them. He was present for their activities, games, and many of the most important moments in their lives. That love was extended to John and Lora when they became members of his family. He continued his love and devotion to his four grandchildren: Cayleigh, Brayden, Annabelle, and Maddox. If you knew Donnie, you knew he had four grandchildren that he absolutely adored. He'd travel near and far to be with them and to cheer them on in whatever they were doing. He loved them with all of his heart. He also loved his grand-pups and treated them like they were his own.

Donnie started collecting baseball cards as a young boy and continued that hobby until the very end. Studying and sorting his cards always brought him hours of happiness. He passed on that love and passion for baseball and baseball cards to his children and grandchildren. Going to Braves games, fishing, and attending his grandchildren's many competitions and sporting events brought so much joy to his life.

In retirement, his and Cheryl's greatest priority was spending as much time with their grandchildren as possible. Donnie wanted them to remember him as a good Granddad that loved them very much, and he without a doubt accomplished that goal.

Donnie is preceded in death by his father. Harley Prevatt and his mother Ethel Prevatte.

Donnie is survived by his loving wife of 50 years, Cheryl Prevatte, his daughter, Courtney Stilwell (John) of Windham, Maine and his son, Darren Prevatte (Lora) of Mount Pleasant, SC. He was the proud Granddad of Cayleigh and Annabelle Stilwell, and Brayden and Maddox Prevatte. He is also survived by his sister, Gloria Walters (Ronald) of St. Pauls, NC and numerous brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nieces, and nephews.

A Celebration of Life will be held to receive family and friends on Friday, December 22, 2023, from 3:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. at Shipyard Park in Mount Pleasant, SC.

The family would like to say a special thank you to all of the Roper St. Francis healthcare teams and caregivers who helped Donnie and touched our lives during this time.

Expressions of sympathy may be viewed or submitted online at www.mcalister-smith.com.

Donations may be made in Donnie's memory to Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, Roper St. Francis Foundation, or Melanoma Research Foundation.

Arrangements have been entrusted to McAlister-Smith Funeral Home and Cremation, 1520 Rifle Range Road, Mount Pleasant, SC 29464, (843) 884-3833.