Mr. Donnie Adron Lee, age 83, passed away peacefully on February 4, 2026.

Donnie was born on June 30, 1942, in Kansas, Georgia, to the late William Emesley Lee and Arvella Bearden Lee. A man of quiet strength and deep dedication, Donnie lived a life rooted in faith, family, and service to others.

A faithful servant of the Lord, Donnie was a longtime member of Bethlehem Methodist Church in Bremen. Prior to moving back to Bremen in 2000, Donnie and family were members of Lovejoy Methodist Church in Newnan. He devoted himself as a Sunday school teacher for decades; his steady presence and tremendous faith were always a reflection of the life he lived.

In addition to his parents, Donnie was preceded in death by his beloved wife, JoAnne Wells Lee, and his brothers William Barry Lee and Larry Eugene Lee.

He leaves behind a family who loved him deeply and will forever cherish his memory: his loving daughters Lisa Steed (David) and Lorri Hammond (Paul); his stepmother, Licia Lee; his grandchildren, Julie Anne Steed, Jake Steed, Matthew Hammond (Brooklyn), and Megan Hammond; and his precious great-grandchild, Emmett Hammond. He was also survived by his special companion and longtime friend, Carol Warren, whom he loved dearly.

Donnie proudly served the Georgia State Board of Pardons and Paroles for 34 years. During his career, he advanced to the positions of Board Executive Officer, Area Supervisor for Northwest Georgia and Assistant Director of Field Operations. He was a Master Instructor for the Training Division where he demonstrated his wisdom and wit in teaching hundreds of Parole Board employees over the years. In his last position before retiring, Donnie was the Venue Commander for law enforcement at the boxing venue during the 1996 Atlanta Olympics. Donnie was known for his professionalism, integrity, and unwavering commitment to public service. His work was more than a job, rather, it was a calling, and he carried that responsibility with honor and pride.

In addition to his career in public service, Donnie was an accomplished musician, playing piano, bass and banjo. In 1971, Donnie founded what became the Bullsboro Bluegrass Band, and was joined in 1973 by his lifelong friend, Mike Steed. The pair founded the Bullsboro Bluegrass Festival in Newnan, Georgia and brought in bands from all over the country to entertain thousands over the years. They played music together for 42 years before they retired. Donnie was instrumental in having Governor George Busby proclaim the month of May as Bluegrass Music Month in the State of Georgia. Bullsboro evolved over the years and included dozens of musicians with Donnie always at the helm. The longest tenured lineup of Bullsboro included Donnie, Mike, Jeff Partridge, Zach Steed, and David Steed. Donnie was a member of the Atlanta Country Music Hall of Fame and received the Atlanta Society of Entertainers Lifetime Achievement Award, among many other honors throughout the years.

The family will receive friends on Sunday, February 15, 2026, from 12:30 p.m. until 2:00 p.m. at Hightower Funeral Home. A Celebration of Life Service will follow at 2:00 p.m., with Rev. Jason Hatchett officiating and Mr. Jeff Partridge providing the eulogy.

Interment will follow at Forest Lawn Memorial Park.

Donnie will be remembered as a devoted husband, a loving father and grandfather, a dedicated friend, a faithful servant of God, and a man whose life of service left a lasting mark on all who knew him.

In lieu of flowers, the family has requested donations to be made in Mr. Donnie's honor to Folds of Honor. https://foldsofhonor.org/wingman/?gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=22807648927&gbraid=0AAAAApI_fRqDSVx_EH8WfWA6ZcEgyT9zx&gclid=CjwKCAiAv5bMBhAIEiwAqP9GuOr3611xYQknTlf7XaYntwlQIGLhjb_NTdCZ6hpmvvdgqJAxI0qo1RoCWs8QAvD_BwE#wingmanForm