Donald “Donnie” Mitchell Arp, age 65 of Epworth, GA passed away on Friday, January 4, 2013. Donnie was born on December 12, 1947 in Ducktown, TN. He had worked for Engineering Associates of Marietta, GA as a Communication engineer. Donnie was a member of Williamstown Methodist Church but attended First Baptist Church of McCaysville with his family. He was preceded in death by his father, Raymond Roy Arp; grandfather, Frank Arp; grandmother, Lillian Williams; and father-in-law, Gene Lanning. He was a loving husband, father, and grandfather.

He is survived by his wife of forty-seven years, Sarah Lanning Arp of the home; two sons and daughters-in-law, Gregory M. and Julie Arp of Epworth, GA and Kevin E. and Karen Arp of Acworth, GA; daughter and son-in-law, Sarah Michelle and Christopher D. Gibbs of Dallas, TX; mother, Jackie Arp of McCaysville, GA; brothers and sisters-in-law, Raymond Arp, Jr. and Jane of Knoxville, TN, David Arp and Anne of Morris Plains, NJ and Derrick Arp and Lisa of Blue Ridge, GA; sister and brother-in-law, Debbie Arp Pfitzer and Ken of Ringgold, GA; seven grandchildren, Kristyn Arp, Brian Arp, Matthew Arp, Evan Arp, Nicholas Arp, Caroline Gibbs and Ty Gibbs; sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Becky and Robert Guthrie of Epworth, GA; mother-in-law, Sarah Lanning of Epworth, GA; numerous nieces and nephews also survive.

Memorial services were held on Tuesday, January 8, 2013 at First Baptist Church of McCaysville, GA at 11:00 a.m. with Rev. Matthew McDaniel and Rev. Jerry Meredith officiating. Music was by Rev. Harry and Katie Gilbert, Miranda McDaniel, Marlene Long and Clarence Burlingame. Memorials may be made in memory of Donnie to the National Dystonia Foundation, www.dystonia-foundation.org or to the First Baptist Church of McCaysville, Food Pantry, P.O. Box 867, McCaysville, GA 30555. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.akinsfuneralhome.com. Akins Funeral Home of Blue Ridge was in charge of arrangements.