“Heartbreak in Sumrall”: Donald “Donny” Atwood, Devoted Dad, Loving Husband, and Community Favorite, Dies at 47 — Family and Friends Shattered by Sudden Loss

SUMRALL, MS — The town of Sumrall is grieving the heartbreaking loss of Donald “Donny” Rex Atwood, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend, who passed away on Thursday, June 12, 2025, at Forrest General Hospital. He was 47 years old.

Born on May 24, 1978, in Hattiesburg, Mississippi, Donny grew up with a strong sense of family, hard work, and community spirit. He built a life centered around the people he loved and the simple joys that made every day meaningful. Known for his warm heart, easygoing spirit, and fierce loyalty, Donny touched countless lives through his personal and professional connections.

Donny was the proud owner and operator of Atwood Floor Installation, where he spent years serving customers with dedication and skill. His craftsmanship, attention to detail, and honesty made him a trusted figure in the local construction and home improvement industry. Clients became friends, and friends became family — that was the Donny Atwood way.

Outside of work, Donny was a man of many passions. He found peace on the water with a fishing pole in hand and joy in gathering with loved ones for music-filled nights, crawfish boils, and backyard cookouts. He had a soft spot for classic movies and live concerts, always ready to make a memory out of a moment. His laugh was contagious, his presence comforting, and his ability to bring people together unmatched.

Those who knew Donny best describe him as a family man to the core. He was a devoted husband to his wife, Lindsay Atwood, and a proud father to his three children: Jasper Chinn (Alicia), Leah Atwood, and Maci Atwood. His greatest joy came from being “Pawpaw” to his four beautiful grandchildren: Camden, Alaina, Bella, and Berkley, who brought light to his days and smiles to his face.

Donny is preceded in death by his loving parents, Roger Dale and Earline Atwood, his dear sister Michelle Turnage, and his nephew Austin Watkins. He is survived by his brother Dale Atwood (Ann), his sister Debbie McRee, and a large extended family who cherished him deeply, including his many nieces and nephews: Corey Hill, Steven Hill, Andrew Friedline, Kyle Turnage, Aaron McRee, Patrick McRee, Blake Carney, Emily Atwood, Brooklyn Atwood, Owen Grogan, Kyla Grogan, Whitney Watkins, Kelsey Watkins, Lily Crapps, and Gracie Crapps.

A visitation for Donny will be held on Monday, June 16, 2025, beginning at 5:00 p.m. at Forrest Funeral Home in Hattiesburg. A service celebrating his life will follow at 6:00 p.m., where family, friends, and community members will gather to honor a man whose life was a testament to love, generosity, and resilience.

One of the most heartfelt tributes came from his child:

“RIP Daddy 🪽 You will most definitely be missed by many. Thank you for being my Dad and raising me the best you could. You did something no other man would do — you took care of me. You are my role model and I’m going to miss you dearly. I love you, Dad. Rest easy.”

In a world that often moves too fast, Donny reminded everyone around him to slow down and enjoy life — to laugh, to gather, to fish, to feast, and most importantly, to love. His memory will continue to live on in the stories shared, the values he instilled, and the hearts he touched.

Rest in peace, Donny Atwood. Your legacy of love, loyalty, and laughter will never be forgotten.