Donald Brett

Dr. Donald Brett, Chattahoochee Hills, GA, passed away at his home on September 8, 2023. Donald was born October 24, 1938, in Sandersville , GA, to parents William Henry Clay Brett and Dorothy Chapman Brett. He was a “surprise twin” to his brother Ronald. In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death just two weeks before him by his wife of 63 years, Mylene. Also preceding him are his brother and sister in-law, Earl and Peggy Brett.

Donald was a graduate of Sandersville High School and Georgia State University, and earned a certificate in chemistry from the Florida State University. In high school, he played football and he was a member of the band where he played the trombone. His after-school jobs included working as a “soda jerk” at Newsome’s Drug Store and concessions at the Pastime Theatre. Donald once convinced Ronald to work in his place at the theatre so he could go on a date. Ronald agreed, and their plan was only discovered when Ronald burned several batches of popcorn!

After graduating from high school, Donald left middle Georgia to attend Georgia State University. While in Atlanta, he met a young Mylene Busbee of Cordele, GA, who was enrolled at Massey Business College. Donald and Mylene were hit it off instantly, but he struggled to remember her name. To assure spending time with her, Donald would drive his 1955 Chevrolet to her dormitory, and tell Mylene and friends to “hop in the car—we will to The Varsity!” No one had their own vehicle, so everyone always accepted Donald’s offer. Before long, Donald’s offer was only for Mylene—the two enjoyed Varsity chili dogs and a Varsity Orange drink until their very last days. Donald would recall how many date nights they stood overlooking North Avenue to watch road crews build Interstate 75-85. Donald and Mylene married June 19, 1960, in Unadilla, GA, and had two sons, Greg and Glenn.

Donald worked as a chemist with the Thiele Kaolin Company, as a salesman for Swift Tools then PAMCO Tools before establishing Brett Fencing Company in Sandersville. Following the Lord’s call to enter the ministry, he was ordained at Sisters Baptist Church in Sandersville; he continued to run the company and serve as a bi-vocational minister at Hines Baptist Church in Midville, GA. In 1973, Donald sold his business and his family began what would be several moves across the state where he served in full time ministry over the next 53 years: Whitewater Baptist Church (Oglethorpe), Odum Baptist Church (Odum), Greenville Baptist Church (Greenville), Harmony Baptist Church (Monroe), Bethel Baptist Church (Good Hope) and Fellowship Baptist Church (Palmetto). Donald served many years with the Georgia Baptist Convention Royal Ambassador Program leading RA groups on Appalachian Trails hikes and camping trips. He served as a Chaplain for Walton County Hospital in Monroe, GA, and was an adjunct professor for Mercer University and Brewton-Parker College. He and Mylene led group tours of The Holy Land on several occasions. During his years in ministry, Donald earned his Doctorate of Theology from International Seminary in Florida.

Retirement provided a lot of time for Donald to tinker in his garage and play golf. He also threw himself into writing. He loved theology and authored two books with an additional one unfinished at the time of his passing. He spent the last several years lovingly caring for Mylene as she battled Alzheimer’s. Donald and Mylene were members of Providence Baptist Church in Chattahoochee Hills.

Surviving are his sons Greg, and his wife Melea, of Chattahoochee Hills and Glenn of Woodstock; Grandchildren: Taylor (Sasha), Duncan, Anna Claire and Chloe; Great grandchildren Jayden, Nixon, Arabella, Everly and Selah Grace. Also surviving are his twin brother Ronald Brett, and his wife Cecelia; brother Mike Brett, and his wife Dena; sister in law Verna Borders; brother in-law Buster Busbee and his wife June; and many nieces and nephews.

In Donald’s office are several notes of this same scripture which sums up his hope in life, ministry, and death: “If you are pleased with me, teach me Your ways so I may know You and continue to find favor with You.” Exodus 33:13

This is a courtesy announcement of May & Smith Funeral Directors in Sandersville, Georgia.