Edgar Charles Donaghey, Jr.

Memorial services for Edgar Charles Donaghey, Jr., 59, of Lufkin will be held Tuesday, December 12, 2017 at 11:00 a.m. in the Cross Timbers Cowboy Church with Pastor Ford Adkins officiating. Cremation arrangements are under the direction of Carroway Funeral Home.

Edgar was born December 1, 1958 in Alexandria, Louisiana to Melba (Danos) and the late Edgar Charles Donaghey, Sr., and died Thursday, December 7, 2017 in a local hospice facility.

Edgar grew up in the Dekalb/Avery area of Bowie County, Texas where he was a high school track star, noted left-handed quarterback, and bullrider. He began working with horses at a young age to help support his siblings. His hard work and love for horses led him to a lifetime career as an accomplished rider. In 1977 he married and moved to Bossier City, Louisiana where he started his professional racing career and began his family.

Edgar was named Leading Jockey that year at Louisiana Downs and remained so for several years throughout the mid to late ‘70’s and early ‘80’s. During his 40+ years as a rider he traveled across the country and was named Lead Rider at various tracks including Evangeline Downs in Lafayette, Louisiana, Oaklawn Park in Hot Springs, Arkansas, Delta Downs in Vinton, Louisiana, Rockingham Park in Salem, New Hampshire, Beulah Park in Grove City, Ohio, and Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky.

Edgar attended and graduated Gloryland Bible College. He was a devoted Christian who loved the Lord. He also loved to fish and watch his favorite football teams, the Cowboys, Saints, and LSU.

Edgar felt his greatest accomplishments were his children, Ashley and Ryan. He loved and was most proud of them and his six beautiful grandchildren. He cherished and loved every moment spent with them. He will be fondly remembered as a loving father, grandfather, son, brother, uncle, and friend as all who knew him felt he was a true blessing in their life.

Survivors include his daughter, Ashley Whittington and husband Brad of Shreveport, Louisiana; son, Ryan Donaghey and wife Jillian of Alexandria, Louisiana; grandchildren, Colby, Alyssa, Addison, Kamdyn, Saylor, and Riggley; mother, Melba Donaghey of Lufkin; brothers, Sandres Autin of Illinois, Johnny Donaghey and wife Belinda of Doyline, Louisiana, Rhoney Donaghey and wife Carrie of Lufkin, and Jimmy Donaghey and wife Tanya of Fairview; sisters, Mary Balmain and husband Jerry of Hooks; nephews, Jack Balmain of Hooks, Austin Lovelace of Haughton, Louisiana, Austin Donaghey of Fairborn, Ohio, Jason Balmain of Texarkana, and Cody Strange of Lufkin; nieces, Jules Donaghey of Dallas, Jayna Donaghey and Xena Donaghey, both of Fairview, Carissa Winthrop of Lufkin, Michael Balmain of Hooks, and Cady Strange of Lufkin; special friends, Sherrie Perren and George and Jackie Wing, all of Lufkin; and numerous cousins, other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his father and brother, Dave Autin.

The family would like to express special thanks to Dr. Reddy, Dr. Humphries, Dr. Sid Roberts, and the staff at MD Anderson Medical Facility, Hospice in the Pines, and Loving Care.

The family will welcome friends and loved ones from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. Tuesday morning prior to the service at the church.

Memories and condolences may be added at www.carrowayfuneralhome.com.

Carroway Funeral Home, Lufkin, directors.