Manning, Donald

MANNING, Donald Earl

Donald Earl Manning, M.D., 75, of Eatonton, GA, passed away unexpectedly at his home on Aug. 1, 2021, after a very brief illness. His distinguished career included professorships at several universities, including the Medical University of South Carolina, Emory University, Medical College of Georgia and Mercer University. He was chief medical officer of healthcare systems in the Philadelphia area and Omaha and later became Medical Director for the Georgia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities. Most recently, he created the psychiatry residency program at Coliseum Hospital in Macon, GA. In his later years, he began doing locum tenens psychiatry work in various locations in Georgia and Pennsylvania.

Don was born Dec. 24, 1945, in Bluefield, WV, to the late Earl Blaine Manning and the late Regina Wolfe Manning. After a childhood in various towns in Alabama, North Carolina and Tennessee, his family settled in South Carolina. Don graduated from Duke University and went on to earn his MD degree from the Medical University of South Carolina. He completed a residency in psychiatry at MUSC and was board certified in psychiatry, with additional specialization in geriatrics. He also earned an MBA from California Coast University and a Master of Medical Management from Tulane University. Don went on to a varied career in academia, medical management, health insurance and patient care. Don was also very active in community and professional organizations. For the past eight years, he served on the board of directors (and as chairman for the past year) of Odyssey Family Counseling Center in College Park, Ga. He was also a past president of the Georgia Psychiatric Physicians Association and was an examiner for the National Board of Psychiatry for many years. During his years in Atlanta, he served on the boards of Project Interconnections and Phoenix House. He was a Distinguished Life Fellow of the American Psychiatric Association and an Emeritus Fellow of the American College of Psychiatry.

Don is survived by his wife of 52 years, Agnes Thompson Manning of Eatonton; daughter Jennifer Diane Manning of Atlanta; son Donald Mark Manning (Berenice) of Atlanta; three grandchildren, Andrew Thomas Winsberg, Daniel Mark Manning and Sofia Isabel Manning, all of Atlanta; and a nephew, two nieces and one cousin. He is also survived by his canine "daughter" Pippa. Don was preceded in death by his parents, his brother James Bryan Manning and his sister Diane Manning Martin.

Don was caring, adventurous, curious, dependable and fun. He had a joie de vivre and was always on the go. An avid traveler, he enjoyed culture, history and food from all over the world. He visited all 50 states, over 85 countries and all seven continents. He loved gourmet cooking, and his lasagna, sourdough blueberry pancakes, waffles and scallop mousse topped with a lobster butter sauce were legendary. He enjoyed classical music, sailing, scuba diving and snow skiing. He was the life of every party, entertaining guests with his humor, wit and hilarious stories.

Most of all, Don loved his family. Nothing pleased him more than to have his children, grandchildren and friends visit their home on Lake Sinclair. He was so proud of his children's accomplishments and was looking forward to seeing his grandchildren grow up. He was the most loving, kind and supportive husband, father and grandfather a family could ask for.

A memorial service is scheduled for Sunday, Aug. 8, 2021, at 3 PM at The Cathedral of St. Philip, 2744 Peachtree Rd. NW, Atlanta, GA 30305. COVID protocols will be followed.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Odyssey Family Counseling Center, www.odysseycounseling.org/donate-now or Noah's Ark Animal Sanctuary in Locust Grove, GA, https://donatenow.networkforgood.org/noahsark?code=2015websitedonation.

Williams Funeral Home-Eatonton,706-485-3303.

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Funeral Home Information

Williams Funeral Home - Eatonton

306 N. Jefferson Ave

Eatonton, GA