Donnie Fairley was born in Latta, SC on July 26, 1960 to the late James Sampson and Annie Bell Fairley. He attended Suffolk County Schools in Amityville NY. In 1979, Donnie joined the US Army where he served 16 years. He separated from the Army and worked with the Durham County Sheriff department then transferred to the Department of Corrections (Butner) where he worked 22 years and retired in July 2018. Donnie enjoyed life. He collected and restored classic cars with his brother Steve. He enjoyed playing bid whist with his Berlin, Germany family and loved being part of the “Code 5” with Jenness Jones. He enjoyed spending time with family and friends. More than anything he loved his children; they meant the world to him. Donnie married Diedre Carter in 1984. Together they traveled around the country and abroad. He lived a full life and is gone much too soon. Donnie passed away on February 13, 2022, in Alamance County, NC. He is survived by and leaves to cherish his memory, his wife Deidre Fairley of 38 years; two sons, Donnie Jr. and DeRay; two daughters Denashia and Daniya; nine sisters, Sophia McCalle (Addison) of Palm Bay FL., Bertha Dingle and Linda Fairley of Fayetteville, NC, Lillah Mae Sampson of Latta SC, and Dianne Samson of Hopewell VA. (Preceding him in death was Queen Esther Hick, Helen Wright, Ruby Ellerbe and Artelia Sampson.); Ten brothers, Charles Sampson of Latta SC, Clarence Sampson of Baltimore MD, James and Samuel Sampson of Atlanta GA, and Steve Fairley of New York. (He was preceded in death by, Lamont Sampson, James Sampson Jr., Edward Sampson, Willie and Randy Fairley.); five brothers in law, Duane Carter (Alicia), Steven Carter (Gwen) of Buffalo NY, and Terance Hare (Sharon) of Upper Marlboro MD. (two preceded him in death, Michael Carter (Gloria Dunbar West Virginia) and Gerald Carter Jr.) One cousin Sharon Leach and one great cousin Tyra Leach of Waldorf MD, and sister in law Sylvia Sampson of Hainesville MD. aunts Roberta Phillips of Baltimore MD, and Annie Louise Leach who preceded him in death. One uncle Kevin Moore of Newport News Va. He also leaves a host of nieces, nephews, god children, family and friends to cherish his memory.

Funeral Services will be held Tuesday, March 1, 2022, 11:00 am at American Cremation & Funeral Service. Burial will follow at Sandhills State Veterans Cemetery, Spring Lake, NC. (For those wishing to join virtually: Zoom Meeting ID: 830 3318 8620. Passcode: 059151)