Donel Ray Gully, Sr. was born January 9, 1942 to the union of Mosie and Lennie Gully in Gholson, Mississippi. His family migrated to East Saint Louis in 1951. Donel Ray accepted Christ at an earl age. He was a member of Faith Temple Church of Golden Garden. Donel Ray began his education in the East Saint Louis Public School System attending Lincoln High School. Donel Ray was also known by his nickname "Duck."

He was blessed to be married twice and that gave him six awesome children, LaVonne Antionette Dew, Pamela Darlene Gully Williams, Donel Ray Gully Jr., Carla Yvette Gully, Yolanda Cornelia Gully and LaDon Daremus Gully.

Donel Ray had numerous jobs throughout his lifetime, but the most memorable employments are working at the Glass House, Mallinckrodt, and GM Motors. He retired as an Auxiliary Officer for the Centreville Police Department with his badge and keys.

Donel loved his tools and fixing on old cars. His favorite hobby of all was playing lottery and anything dealing with fishing.

Both parents preceded him in death. Also preceding in death is Donel Ray Gully, Jr., Tyson Gully, Creola Walker, Terry Gully, Fulton Gully, Gertha Ree Hill, Sherman Gully, Lee Van Gully, Teara Gully, Demarco Spraggins, Keith Doss, and Amaiziah Gully.

On March 5, 2024 , Father called Donel Ray home to get much needed rest with no more pain or worries. The reunion with loved ones will be a wonderful and beautiful celebration.

Donel Ray Gully, Sr. leaves to cherish his memories five children, LaVonne Dew, Pamela (Everett) Gully Williams, Carla Gully, Yolanda Gully, and LaDon Gully; four sisters, Kate Ruth (James) McCullough, Nixerine (Spencer) Hughes, Glendia (Melvin) Spencer, and Lendia (Edwin) Walker; three brothers, Ted (Patricia) Gully, Randolph (Sally Ann) Gully, and Darrell Gully, a host of Grand, Great-Grand, and  Great-Great grandchildren, family and friends.