Rev. Donald "Donnie" Cash

Pastor Donald “Donnie” Cash, 80, went home to be with the Lord on May 15, 2026 at Duke Regional Hospital. He was born in Durham County to the late John Felix and Ethel Rigsbee Cash.

In addition to his parents, Donnie is preceded in death by his siblings, Clara, Faye, Rose Marie, Carolyn, Betty Lou, Larry, Bobby, and Ricky.

Donnie is survived by his devoted wife of 59 years, Patsy Cash; son, Danny (Cheri); grandson, Randy Black (Brittany); great-grandson, Cole; sister, Jean Carter; and many nieces and nephews whom he loved dearly. Among them are his special nephew and hunting buddy, Mason Clark; niece, Monica Blanchard (Reid), along with her two daughters, Marleigh and Raya, Donnie’s honorary grandchildren, who gave him his cherished title, “Papa.”

Donnie was a beloved husband, father, uncle, papa, and friend to many, and he deeply cherished his time with each of them. You could often find him talking, singing, and cracking jokes just to put a smile on everyone’s face. As much as he loved his family and friends, there was no greater love for him than his Heavenly Father. After 24 years with Burlington Industries, Donnie retired from the workforce and began following his calling to preach full time. He spent 40 years spreading the gospel through evangelical preaching, pastoring Union Grove Baptist Church for 10 of those special years. He was a dedicated and faithful member of Roberson Grove Baptist Church.

When Donnie wasn’t behind the pulpit or spending time with his family, you could find him at home watching NASCAR between the Sunday morning and Sunday night church services, or in his other mission field — the woods. An avid outdoorsman, he enjoyed hunting and fishing, with a true passion for coon hunting. A well-known and respected member of the hunting community, known as “the preacher,” Donnie could be found mentoring a younger generation of hunters, praying with and encouraging them before releasing the dogs, and smiling from ear to ear the moment one of his dogs treed.

Donnie leaves behind a legacy of faith, family, and friendship that touched countless lives. From the pulpit to the woods, he poured his life into others, and the ripples of his love, faith, and friendship will continue to be felt for years to come. His absence will be deeply felt by his family, church family, the coon hunting community, and all who were blessed to call him friend. He will be dearly missed by all who loved him.

The family will receive friends from 6:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M. on Wednesday, May 20, 2026 at Hudson Funeral Home, 211 S. Miami Blvd., Durham, NC 27703.

Funeral Services will be held at 2:00 P.M. on Thursday, May 21, 2026 at Hudson Funeral Home Chapel. Rev. Jason Hatchett, Rev. Jimmy Pulley and Pastor Roger Crowe will officiate. Interment will follow at Sykes Cemetery in Wake County, North Carolina.