05/28/2026
Fallen President, Donnie Strother, Class of 1959
Donald Edwin Strother Obituary
Donald Edwin Strother, lovingly known as Donnie or “Da Brush,” spent his final moments surrounded by the love of his family and his lifelong best friend, Charles “Tooty” Huppman, while some of his favorite music played softly in the background.
Music was one of Donnie’s greatest joys — especially the oldies — and nothing brought him more happiness than dancing with the love of his life, his beloved wife of 64 years, Wanda Strother.
Every Sunday, Donnie and Wanda shared a cherished tradition of date nights at Dockside in Colonial Beach, where they spent evenings dancing together to the sounds of local bands, often staying until the sun began to set. Their deep love and devotion to one another was evident to all who knew them.
Each year, Donnie also looked forward to attending Artie’s Party in Syracuse, where many of the nation’s finest pinstripers gathered to create artwork that would later be auctioned to benefit the Ronald McDonald House. Donnie was widely admired as an extraordinarily talented artist and pinstriper whose work touched countless people throughout the community. His craftsmanship could be seen on motorcycles, boats, classic cars, golf carts, and custom panel art, leaving a lasting impression nearly everywhere he went. Much of his artwork proudly hangs at Dockside in Colonial Beach — a place that held a special place in his heart.
For more than 40 years, Donnie dedicated himself to his career with Heishman BMW and Porsche Audi. Following his retirement, he devoted his time to the passion he loved most — pinstriping and creating art whenever he could, continuing until illness began to weaken him.
To know Donnie was to know a true friend. He never met a stranger and formed lasting friendships everywhere he went. He especially enjoyed attending classic car shows, where he could share stories, laughter, and his lifelong passion for cars and art with those around him.
While Donnie was greatly admired for his remarkable artistic talent, he was loved even more for the man he was — a devoted husband, loving father, proud grandfather, and treasured great-grandfather. He leaves behind his beloved wife, Wanda Strother; his son, Donald “Donnie” Strother; his daughter, Tifany Strother White (Fredrick); six cherished grandchildren Steven (preceded in death), Amanda, Shelby, Brianne, Stormy, and Alexis; and nine cherished great-grandchildren Saylor, London, Aviana, Carson, Cullen, Nevaeh, Connor, Mackenzie, and Dylan.
Family meant everything to Donnie. Even while courageously battling cancer, he remained focused on making sure those he loved were cared for and okay. Although his family’s hearts are heavy with grief, they find comfort in knowing he is now free from pain, reunited with loved ones he missed dearly, and resting peacefully in the presence of God.
On GW!
