Donnie L. Saunders

Obituary for Donnie Lee Saunders

December 3, 1950—December 4, 2024

Donnie Lee Saunders was born in Zuni, Virginia, December 3, 1950. He was the eldest son of the five siblings born to the late Lucinda (Cook) and Moses Saunders. Donnie passed away peacefully on December 4, 2024, at Miami Valley Hospital South.

Donnie attended Riverview High School and graduated in 1969. He enjoyed his high school years, attended class reunions, and maintained some lifelong friendships.

For college, Donnie chose to attend North Carolina Agricultural and Technical University (A&T) in Greensboro, North Carolina, a historically Black college (HBCU). A proud “Aggie,” he continued to recruit students and assist with securing federal research grants for HBCU programs for many years following his college career. As a professional, Donnie always wanted to work in a capacity and for a company where he could make a meaningful contribution. In an autobiographical reflection, he once described his life’s journey and sense of purpose in the following words:

“I was the first generation to finish college, and I majored in engineering. I moved to Dayton and lived with my cousin Tom Joyner, also an engineer. And I chose to work for Wright-Patterson Air Force Base for 40 years. I worked in various areas of engineering, including electrical, civil,mechanical, and finally aerospace engineering. Before I retired, I worked at the Airforce Research Lab. I worked in the area of Research and Development…I created methods of doing new projects that had not been done before. With my contractors, I developed new things…I was responsible for making things work better.”

In addition to having the imagination and instinct of an innovator, Donnie possessed an entrepreneurial spirit. While pursuing his career as an engineer, he began investing in real estate. He met the owners of the Hawes Realty Company, Frank and Rosa Hawes, and later met their daughter, Ro Nita, whom he married in 1984. Donnie obtained his real estate license and made his participation in the family’s real estate business an avocation. He and Ro Nita were married for 32 years, and they had a daughter, Donnica, in 1986.

Donnie loved socializing, participating in sports, helping young people, and having “big” family fun. The Saunders household was always filled with lots of people engaged in celebrations. Family and friends remember the many special occasions and memories of the Christmas holidays, including caroling and tree-trimming parties. Donnie cherished the holidays.

Donnie worked in the community and was an active supporter of his wife’s dream to build a radio station in Dayton, Ohio. In 1991, WROU-FM was created, and he worked tirelessly promoting the many community events sponsored by the station. Donnie’s other community involvements included helping to coach his daughter’s middle school basketball teams, teaching Sunday School, working with youth groups, and serving on the Board of Directors for his church, Unity of Dayton. He also served for many years on the Board of the Miami Valley Fair Housing, Inc. organization.

Donnie had a passion for education and the welfare of young people. As a mentor and advocate for young engineers, he developed partnerships between WPAFB and North Carolina A&T as well as other HBCUs, to encourage more African-American young men and women to pursue engineering as a career.

Family was a priority for Donnie. He beamed with pride when talking about his daughter, her professional accomplishments, and her marriage to Hugh Mulzac, III. He admired and enjoyed their love of adventure, as well as basketball and tennis. With them, he also enjoyed cycling and playing chess. In addition to maintaining an active lifestyle, Donnie explored novel naturopathic health and wellness remedies.

Donnie Saunders never met a stranger. He could talk for hours about many different topics. He loved traveling the world and exploring new business opportunities. Faith, family, and friends were dearest to his heart. His virtuous nature and generous spirit will be greatly missed. His energy, vitality, and love of life contribute to his legacy.

Donnie’s last special gift was to donate his body to science for anatomical research. He chose to make this unique donation to the Boonshoft School of Medicine at Wright State University in Dayton, Ohio.

In lieu of flowers, please make memorial donations to

The Dayton Foundation-Donnie Saunders Memorial Fund, #9187

to support the endeavors of North Carolina A&T University. 

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.