We lovingly remember Daniel Preuss Donahue, who passed away on September 4, 2024, at the age of 75. Born on February 3, 1949, in New Orleans, LA., to Daniel Donahue and Marylin Donahue (Adams). Daniel lived a fulfilling life enriched by love, family, sports, and many achievements. He touched countless lives and will be deeply missed by his family and friends.
Affectionately called “Danny” by those close to him, he was a modest and humble man despite his many accomplishments. Danny attended private schools in New Orleans, including St. Agnes, Christian Brothers, and De La Salle High School.
In 1965, transferring from New Orleans, Louisiana, to Memphis, TN in his junior year, Dan was quickly recognized as one of Central High Schools most outstanding students. “All-Memphis”, “All-Division,” and “All-Tournament” in both the District and Regional basketball tournaments were some of the awards given to Dan. His letter in basketball entitled Dan to become a member of the “H” Club. Dan was inducted into the National Honor Society and was President of the Homeroom Presidents’ Club. After being elected Sergeant-at-Arms of the Senior Class, Dan headed the Project Committee and the Courtesy Committee. Because of his athletic ability, scholastic achievement, and service to the school, Daniel Donahue was worthy of being chosen “Outstanding Senior.”
After High School, Dan was offered basketball scholarships from numerous colleges, choosing Christian Brothers College in Memphis before transferring to Memphis State University. He explored a wide range of studies, including education, social work, sports, and business administration, graduating in the 1970s with a Bachelor of Arts degree. His commitment to learning continued throughout his life.
After college, Danny devoted himself to helping children, working as a live-in counselor at St. Peter’s Orphanage and later as a social worker for DHS. He also pursued his passion for golf, serving as a golf pro at Stonebridge Country Club. During this period, Danny tried entrepreneurship, co-founding a typesetting business. Though it ultimately didn’t succeed, Danny’s resilience shone through, as he worked multiple jobs to recover, driving an old car and living frugally.
Throughout his career, Danny contributed to numerous organizations with dedication and hard work. He spent over 10 years at Evans Enterprises, where he earned an Affiliate Broker’s License in Commercial Real Estate. He later joined Towery Publishing, where he excelled in management and was named Employee of the Year in 1996.
In his later years, Danny worked from home as a Systems Analyst and Computer Database Programmer for United Health Care/Optum Health, achieving his dream of a balanced professional and personal life. His personal life was just as full, with volunteer work for Memphis in May and BBQ on the River, playing team sports, and coaching girls’ basketball at Lindenwood Christian Church. Daniel volunteered with Mercy Chefs, a faith-based non-profit organization, to help provide meals to those affected by disasters.
In 2022 Danny moved to Cullman, AL to be closer to his sister, Catherine and family.
Danny’s generous spirit, kindness, and selflessness touched everyone he met. He consistently put others’ needs above his own, and his legacy of love and kindness will forever be cherished by those who knew him.
Daniel never married, but he cherished his cats, whom he considered his children. Though most of them passed before him, his beloved cat Abbey remains as his sole surviving “fur baby.”
Preceding Daniel in death were his dear parents, Daniel Donahue and Marilyn Donahue (Adams), who were residents of Memphis, TN. Survived by his younger sister, Catherine Stewart of Cullman, AL; his younger brother, Richard Donahue of Pierre, SD; five nephews: James Stark of Pell City, AL, Patrick Stark of Cullman, AL, Jon Stark of Cullman, AL, Kenneth Donahue of Broomfield, CO, and Brian Donahue of Pierre, SD; one niece, Mary Cox (Josh) of Mt. Juliet, TN; one first cousin, Connee Anderson (Tom) of Elizabeth City, NC and several great-nephews and nieces who adored him.
In accordance with his wishes, there will be no formal services. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Humane Society of Memphis and Shelby County or any animal rescue organization of your choice.
