Bro. Donnie Carl "Smiley" Burns, age 78, passed away Wednesday 12/11/2024 at his home. A devoted servant of the Lord, a lifelong resident of Hamilton County, before finding a new home in Resaca, Georgia.

As an ordained minister, he pastored with love and faith, at Johns Memorial Baptist Church in Bradley County, TN, And Way of Life Baptist Church in Titusville, Florida.

For 40 years, he spread the Gospel, evangelizing with passion and dedication, founding the Truth and Love Prison Ministry, bringing hope and salvation to many.

His legacy of faith, love, and service lives on in the hearts of those he touched. Rest in peace, Donnie Carl Burns, A faithful shepherd and a beacon of light.

Donnie is survived by his wife, Linda, 59 years, Jessica (daughter), Robert (son), 7 grandchildren, 3 great grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. Preceded in death by his father, Henry Carl Burns, (mother) Hazel Clady Hyde, (brother) Alvin Burns, (sisters) Willa Dean  Burns, Ann McAlister, Katherine Denton, Martha Tipton, and Becky Elsea.

Visitation and Funeral to be Monday beginning at 11am. Funeral at 2pm, Hamilton Funeral Home, 4506 Hixson Pike. Officiating ministers are Brother Mitchell Cummings and Brother Stacey Layne. Honorary pallbearers include Bro. Cody Bullman, Bro. B.J. Craig, Bro. Larry Cummings, Bro. Kenny Emanuel, Bro. Travis Locklear, and Bro. Richard Trivette. Wednesday, Donnie will be laid to rest following a graveside service with officiating Pastor, Brother Adam Thomas, pallbearers will be Wendell Boring, Shane Maddox, Silas Foster, Dean Funk, Dewayne Cunningham, Chuck Thompson, at the Chattanooga National cemetery beginning at 1pm.