Donald Ray Courtney

Donald Ray Courtney passed away on June 12, 2024 after a brief battle with pancreatic cancer. Don (Bubba, Paw Paw) was born January 2,1943 to Ray and Josie Fay Courtney in Memphis TN. 

Growing up in Memphis, he loved playing basketball, baseball and golf, excelling at all. In 1961, he met his high school sweetheart, Carolyn and they married in 1963. They shared the love of family, the outdoors and travel. 

Over the years they moved between Memphis, Houston, Grapevine and Miami, ultimately settling down in Conroe, TX. He enjoyed working for the airlines - National, Pan Am, Northwest Airlines, and airline cargo companies, collecting countless airline memorabilia along the way.

But no matter where he lived, Don’s favorite room in the house was his workshop where he spent his time creating his artwork. Don’s love of art started way back in the 7th grade when he made his first bench in woodworking class; a piece that he still has today. His art took many forms including custom fishing rods, driftwood and seashell creations , sandblasting mirrors, stained glass, watercolors, picture framing, coconut pelicans and his last project - fabricating exotic seabirds out of pvc pipe. Winning awards and owning stained class shops were just a means to strike up a conversation with anyone. He shared his experiences and art with family and friends-most of us have one of his pieces to remember him by.

When he wasn’t in his workshop, Don could be found with a fishing pole in his hand, from the Atlantic Ocean to Lake Conroe.

His detailed memory enabled him to recall these crazy adventures and he always told great stories from his childhood and provided such a historical perspective on the times he lived through.

He is survived by his wife of 61 years Carolyn, son Tom (Sue), daughter Donna (Gary), 5 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren. He will be greatly missed by his family and all the lives he touched.

In lieu of flowers please make a donation in his name to the American Cancer Society.