Donald Ray Gwin

Funeral services for Donald Ray Gwin, 81, of Epps, LA were held at 2:00 PM, Thursday, September 28, 2023 at Epps Baptist Church, Epps, LA with Rev. Leslie Yates, Rev. Rocky Stevens, and Rev. Eddie Fuller officiating. Interment was in the Stevenson Cemetery, Rayville, LA under the direction of Brown-Holley Funeral Home, Rayville, LA.

Mr. Donald was born January 19, 1942 in Rayville, LA and passed away Saturday, September 23, 2023 in Epps, LA.

Don’s life centered around his relationship with the Lord, family, friends, school, farming, and his love of the outdoors. Don was a member of Herringville Baptist and Epps Baptist Church during his lifetime. He served the Lord in the roles of teacher, choir member, and Deacon.

Upon graduation from Epps High School, he continued his studies and graduated from Northeast Louisiana University majoring in Heath, Physical, and Safety Education while minoring in English. Graduate work included a Masters in Educational Administration. Don began his career at Monticello High school as a teacher and coach. While here, he forged lifelong relationships with staff, students, parents, and community members. It was here many became aware of his amazing ability of recall. He could replay any game play by play. He cherished his memories of his time in Monticello.

A position opening at Epps High School provided an opportunity to move home. After spending one year teaching and coaching at Epps, he spent the next twenty-three years as the campus principal. His actions and decisions were always based upon three considerations: Is it good for kids? Is it good for teachers? Is it good for the community? He continued this approach in his role as Superintendent. Retirement from West Carroll Parish Schools did not last long. He returned twice to work with students working toward their GEDs and to serve as assistant principal back at Epps. He continued working for the students of the parish as a board member until his retirement due to his illness.

While working in the schools, Don was also building a farm. During this time, he improved the land and grew beans, corn, or cotton. He cared for horses that the entire family rode and enjoyed. During his free time, Don enjoyed raising and training dogs for deer and squirrel hunting with friends and family. These times in the outdoors would result in many funny tales to be shared and enjoyed later.

Don’s family would like to acknowledge with great gratitude the love and kindness shown to them all during this long good-bye.

He was preceded in death by his parents, W. L. and Annie Gwin; siblings, Mary Jewel Gwin Vallery and husband, Ray; W. L. “Sonny” Gwin, Jr.; J. P. Gwin; Bobby Sam Gwin and wife, Evelyn; Annie Ruth Gwin Ortego and husband, Calvin; brothers-in-law, Billy Fryer; Thomas Butts and wife, Carole; and nieces, Sheila Gwin Sewell and Trina Butts Wilson.

Those left to cherish Don’s memory are his wife of 64 years, Patricia Gwin; daughters Donna and Connie Gwin; his precious granddaughter, Samantha Gwin; his beloved sisters-in-law, Helen Gwin; Rudy Gwin; Helen Fryer; his nieces and nephews; Billy Vallery and wife, Sheila; Mike Vallery and wife, Wanda; Joyce Rawls and husband, Thomas; Bonnie Pearson and husband, Bo; Clay Gwin; Bo Gwin and wife, Sharon; Kelly Gwin; Scott Gwin; Lori Kellog and husband, Mike; Robin Manelos and husband, Jon; Mark Lemoine and wife, Rhonda; Jennifer Lemoine; Laura Lemoine; Lynn O’Neal and husband, David; Robin Bailey; Tracey Huffman and husband, Shane; Dan Fryer and wife, Angela; and Thomas Butts and wife, Melissa.

Pallbearers were Billy Vallery, Mike Vallery, Kerry Gwin, Carl Gwin, Mark Lemoine, Bo Gwin, Kelly Gwin, Scott Gwin, Clay Gwin, and Anthony Gwin.

Honorary pallbearers were Johnny Simms, Tommy Powell, Mike Southall, Doug Ed Fairchild, Roosevelt Porter, David McVay, Glen McCandlish, Mike Prine, and Jerry Jay Simms.

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