Harry Donald Gatlin, 83, of Heidelberg, Mississippi, passed away peacefully from Stage 5 kidney failure on Tuesday, April 7, 2026, at his home. Born on April 19, 1942, in Laurel, Mississippi, Donald lived a full life surrounded by family and friends.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Shirley Satcher Gatlin; his parents, Eddie Lee Gatlin Sr. and Claudia Flowers Gatlin; his brother, Clayton Gatlin; his sister, Angie Byrd; his twin brother, Doug Gatlin; and his brothers-in-law, James Smith and Wayne Byrd.

Donald is survived by his son, Timothy Donald Gatlin and his wife Tonya; his daughter, Sonya Gatlin Welch and her husband Kerry; his cherished grandchildren, Kerry Dell Welch Jr. and his wife Sheridan, Savannah Rose Gatlin, and Kai Gatlin Welch and his wife Maci. He also leaves behind his siblings, Eddie Lee "Dick" Gatlin Jr., Janet Smith, Keith Gatlin and his wife Jeanette, and Ricky Gatlin, along with numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Graveside services will be held on Sunday, April 12, 2026, at 2:00PM at Bethel Baptist Church Cemetery in Sandersville, Mississippi, with burial to follow. The services will be officiated by Bro. Brent Benson, Bro. Troy Hobson, and Bro. Eric Benson. Arrangements are being handled by Colonial Chapel Funeral Home of Laurel, and condolences may be shared online at their website.

Pallbearers will include Kerry Dell Welch Jr., Kai Gatlin Welch, David Stroud, Brent Ball, Eddie Windham, Todd Smith, Tony Satcher, and Craig Satcher, with Austin Carter serving as an honorary pallbearer.