Paul Edward Donley

In Loving Memory of Paul Edward Donley

December 6, 1942 – March 14, 2025

Paul Edward Donley, 82, of Merritt Island, Florida, passed away peacefully on March

14, 2025, after a courageous battle with heart disease, Parkinson’s, and dementia. He

was surrounded by his loving family in hospice care.

Paul was born on December 6, 1942, in Ironton, Ohio, to Dorothy Kelly Donley and

Clifford Donley. Following high school, he proudly served in the Army National Guard

and was honorably discharged in 1963.

Following his military service, Paul began working at McDonald’s as a maintenance

man, and eventually a crew member, and then into management where his hard work

and dedication earned him a promotion to area supervisor. He spent 26 years with

the company before pursuing his dream of opening his own restaurant,

Donley’s Steak & Ribs.

After suffering a massive heart attack, Paul moved to Florida in search of a slower

pace—but in true Paul fashion, "slowing down" was never really in his nature. Paul soon

started his own power washing business in Island Lakes, staying active and

engaged in his community.

Paul was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, brother, and friend.

He is survived by his loving wife of 48 years, Shirley, and their five children:

Ron (Lisa), Jeff (Sharon), Angie, Cheryl (Joe), and Jamie (Leland).

Paul also leaves behind his cherished siblings: Jack (Hazel), Al (Cheryl), Shirley

(Doug), Diane, and Patty (Mike). Paul was a proud grandfather to

Curtis, Heather, PJ, Lauren, Justin, Reanna, Ashley, Ryan, Shantall, Amanda, Chad,

Shane, Nikki, Kim, Leland, Kelsey, Peggy, Michael, Sammy, and Heidi

The grandchildren were the absolute light of his life. He was preceded in death by his

parents, Dorothy and Clifford Donley; his beloved daughters, Cheryl Scrivener and

Glinda Seely; his brother, Gary; and his precious grandson, Adam

.

Paul was deeply loved and respected by all who knew him. His kindness, generosity,

and sense of humor left a lasting impression on everyone he met. Though he may no

longer be with us, his love, laughter, and unwavering spirit will forever live on in our

hearts. Paul’s legacy of love and resilience will never be forgotten.

Rest peacefully, knowing you were loved beyond measure.

A celebration of Paul’s life will be held at The Canton Funeral Home, located at 10655

E. Cherokee Dr. Canton, GA 30115. Visitation will be held Saturday, March 22, 2025,

from 10am –12pm with the funeral service to follow in the Chapel of the funeral home

where family and friends can gather to honor and remember him.