Donald Ray “Donnie” Allison
May 14, 1946 – January 18, 2026
Donnie, or lovingly known as “Donnie Ray”, passed away peacefully at home, January 18th, surrounded by those he loved most. Born on May 14, 1946, in Carbon Hill, Alabama, Donnie was the youngest of ten children. He graduated from Carbon Hill High school in 1964, where his love of athletics began. He went on to play college basketball at the former Florence State College now known as University of North Alabama.
While attending Walker College, Donnie Ray met the love of his life, Diane Newsome. The two were soon married, beginning a lifelong partnership rooted in faith, hard work, and devotion to family. Donnie Ray later completed his teaching degree at the University of Alabama, and spent one year coaching at Cordova High School.
He and Diane eventually moved to Arley, where he learned dairy farming with the guidance of his father-in-law. He often joked that he had “dairy farmer’s luck”, girl babies and bull calves. Through perseverance and dedication, he became a successful dairyman, and together Donnie and Diane were honored as Alabama’s Outstanding Young Dairy Farm Family.
While continuing his work in farming, Don began a GEHL dealership in 1972. What began as a small office inside a dairy barn, grew into Don Allison Equipment, Inc., a business that proudly serves farmers throughout the Southeast. His leadership earned him the opportunity to serve multiple terms on the Gehl dealer council. Over the years he was recognized as a top dealer by several manufacturers including Gehl, Jay-Lor, SI Feeders, and Claas.
During the 1990’s, Don served as the Arley representative for the Winston County school board. He also served on the Winston County tax equalization board for 20 years. His commitment to agriculture and community continued as he later served as president of the Winston County Farmers Federation, and was honored to serve on the Alabama Farmers Federation state board for several years.
Don was a faithful and active member of Arley Methodist Church for 53 years and Flat Rock Global Methodist church for four years.
He was preceded in death by his parents Lacy Bowman and Nettie Ola Allison. Siblings; Elbert Allison, Mildred Jackson, Carlos Allison, Charles Allison, Frank Allison, Earl Allison, Bill John Allison, and Lacy Allison.
He is survived by wife of 57 years Diane Allison; Daughters, Angie (Shawn) Abercrombie, MaLea (Chris) Ergle; Grandchildren, Loren Hancock, John Mark (Abbie) Abercrombie, Lydia (Avery) Miller; Great-Grandchildren; Everly, Jack and Anna Claire Abercrombie and Sam and Theo Hancock. Sister, Marie Prestridge, and a host of nieces and nephews.
Don will be remembered for his work ethic, quick wit, and deep love of family and community. His legacy lives on through the many lives he touched and the family he cherished.
Funeral services for Donald Ray “Donnie” Allison, 79, of Arley, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Thursday January 22nd, 2026, at Collins-Burke Funeral Home. Brother Paul Campbell will officiate, with private interment at Arley Methodist Church. Visitation will begin at 12:30 p.m. at Collins-Burke Funeral Home.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to either Meek High School Athletics department, or Eldridge Children’s Home Christmas Fund.
