Donald Candley

Donald Jamar Candley was born on November 21, 1984, in Oakland, California, to Shirley Wade and James Candley. Donald departed this life on July 4, 2026. At an early age, he accepted Christ the Most High as his Savior. He attended First Saint James Baptist Church under the late Rev. Talmadge Dunwood. He later united with New East Side Baptist Church under Pastor Faison/Anthony Traylor, where he was currently a member. 

He graduated from El Dorado High School, Class of 2004, and earned a welding certificate from South Arkansas Community College-East Campus. He loved spending time with family and friends, especially his daughters. 

Preceded in death: bonus father Eddie Gray; brother Taurus Candley; grandparents Rachel D. Washington Mays, Earnestine and J.C. Candley; aunts Bonnie Park and Terri Anderson; uncles Johnny Millage, Rev. Talmadge Dunwood, Lonnie Ray Nelson, and Sherman Paschal. 

He leaves to cherish his loving memories: mother Shirley Gray McKinley; father James Candley; daughters Trinity, Aniya, Riley, and Kensley Candley; aunts Lillie Ruth Hill and Shirley Ann Paschal; uncles Rev. Donald Dismuke (Gail), Rickey Anderson, and Milton Paschal; several bonus brothers; and a host of cousins, extended family, and friends.