Marvin Aydelette Donnell

Marvin Aydelette Donnell, 81, passed peacefully into the presence of his loving Lord on Sunday, March 19, 2023.

He was born December 26, 1941 to Merritt Aydelette Donnell and Mozelle (Ritter) Donnell. He is survived by his wife Marilyn (Mansfield) Donnell (married June 21, 1969) as well as four sons: Hudson Donnell and Torrey Donnell of Simpsonville, SC, David (Holly) Donnell currently of Newport, R.I., Andrew (Julie) Donnell of Brisbane, Australia; also by his grandchildren Seth, Joseph, and Isaiah of Rhode Island; Lucas and Bethany of Brisbane; and Mason of Spartanburg.

He was preceded in death by his parents, brother Sam L. Donnell, and infant twin sons Seth and Philip.

He was born in Fayetteville, NC, moved as an infant back to the family property east of Greensboro, NC where he lived until he joined the Air Force (1962-66). He served for a time at the USAF base in Yokota, Japan. A 1960 graduate of Bessemer High School, Greensboro, NC and Bob Jones University (BA in Bible, 1971). He then taught and worked at a church in Maryland before becoming a missionary (Baptist International Missions) to Australia in 1975. He worked and served the Lord as a church planter and Bible teacher for 47 years in the cities of Canberra, ACT and Redland City, QLD (near Brisbane). He retired in 2022 to live in Fountain Inn, SC.

He was a member of the Returned and Services League of Australia, the Redlands Vietnam Veterans, and American Legion (former Chaplain of Post AU03 Brisbane and current member of Post 33 Woodruff, SC).

A memorial service of thanksgiving for the life of Marvin Donnell will be Saturday, March 25, 2023 at Crestview Baptist Church, 100 Meadowbrook Drive, Fountain Inn, SC. Visitation from 12-1pm before the service at 1pm. A graveside service and interment will be 11am, Monday, March 27 at Midway Cemetery near Greensboro, NC, corner Rankin Mill and Keely Roads, McLeansville, NC. Memorial gifts will go to a project close to Marvin’s heart – PNG Bible Project, BIMI, PO Box 9, Harrison, TN 37341. No flowers, please.

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