Donald Virlyn “Bubba” Nix, 63, of Jesup, Ga., passed away on Monday, May 18, 2026 at his home, surrounded by his loving daughters and under the care of Hospice of South Georgia.

He was a member of Calvary Baptist Church and a graduate of Wayne County High School’s Class of 1981, where he proudly played guard for the Wayne County Yellow Jackets football team. During high school, Bubba developed a strong interest in drafting and woodworking through the classes of Mr. James Robertson, whom he continued to speak highly of in recent years. He was also a member of DECA and, as he would jokingly say, belonged to the club that looked for every chance possible to skip school.

Bubba began working at the age of 12 in the tobacco fields for a short time and later held positions at Pic N Save, Revco Pharmacy as a stock boy, Rick’s Meats, and Gibson McDonald. In 1983, he began his career as a correctional officer at Georgia State Prison in Reidsville. After 20 years of dedicated service, he retired as Unit Manager, a position he often referred to as being a “mini-warden.”

It was at the prison where he met the love of his life, Lamanda Kay, and the two were married in 1990. Together, Virlyn and Lamanda built a life founded on Christ and raised their two daughters to trust in the Lord daily. Though they faced many trials throughout life, their faith and love remained steadfast.

Bubba was a simple man who enjoyed bass fishing, turkey hunting, and chasing whitetail deer. He never turned down a good old-fashioned white perch fish fry and proudly bled red and black for his beloved Georgia Bulldogs. He will be remembered as an honest, selfless, and genuine man — true as they come.

Above all else, Bubba was a devoted husband, daddy, son, brother, and friend. His favorite and greatest title, however, was “Papa.”

He was preceded in death by his wife of 34 years, Lamanda Kay Nix; his father, Johnny Virlyn Nix; Granny Alice Blocker; and Granny Nix.

Survivors include his two daughters, Brandi (Bailey) Thornton of Odum and Brittney (Ben) Crook of Jesup; his grandson and “Snuggle Bug,” Beckett Thornton, and bonus grandson, Emerson Crook; his mother, Edna Nix Arnold of Perry; his two sisters, Sharon (Mike) Lassiter of Perry and Mary (Steve) Mason of Greenville, SC; several nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, and cousins; and his beloved furry companion, Swagger.

Graveside funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m., Wednesday, May 20, 2026 at Odum City Cemetery with Reverends Vann Dempsey and Pete Boyd officiating. Active pallbearers will be Joey Miller, Ridge Shefka, Wesley Eason, Wesley and Cody Lassiter, and Mike, Greg, Hulen, and Buddy Blocker, Doug and Norman “Rerun” Miller. Honorary pallbearers will be members of the Wayne County High School Class of 1981 and his fellow colleagues from Georgia State Prison.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of South Georgia, 1625 Sunset Blvd., Jesup, GA 31545.

Rinehart and Sons Funeral Home of Jesup is in charge of arrangements.