Donnie Goins

Donnie Grayson Goins, 81, of Bramwell passed away on July 19, 2026. Born on June 27, 1945, he was the fifth son of Glen and Pearl Dillon Goins of Simmons River Road. He was a 1964 graduate of Bramwell High School and later that year, he married his high school sweetheart, Elizabeth ‘Betty’ Harman Goins. They settled in Bramwell and raised their two daughters with love.

Not a lazy bone in his body, Donnie began working in high school, cutting the boys’ hair in a spare room at the high school. He would work for several places in the county, including West Virginia Armature and Med-Response, with his last employment being for the Mercer County Board of Education, where he worked as a custodian at Bramwell High School and Bluewell Elementary. He was a recipient of the Mercer Co service employee of the year award. He enjoyed that work so much that when he retired, he returned to Bluewell Elementary School as a volunteer to continue making sure the school building was clean and ready for the students each day.

Donnie was a musician. Coming from a well-known bluegrass musical family, Donnie branched out and was a drummer, having played rock and roll/southern rock music for several of the early bands in Mercer County, most notably the Collegians. Later he would work with country music star, Mel Street and the Swing Kings, and perform on television for The Country Showcase. He continued playing for the Fancy Free band when Mel went on to Nashville, TN. Donnie has played with many well-known country music stars of the 1970’s through the 1990’s. Even while in his 80’s, and as recently as a month before his death, he would play at The Corner Shop in Bramwell on certain Friday nights with his friends, Barry Bowman and Jack Goins.

At his heart, Donnie was a giver and donated his time toward the Bramwell Kiwanis Club having received state recognition for his outstanding leadership in that organization. He was a member and elder of the Bramwell Presbyterian Church, serving various offices. He organized the church’s effort to feed the needy during the holidays and continued to stock the Blessing Box located in Bramwell for the needy until his last days.

He was also known as ‘the Candy Man’ for 40+ years making a variety of hand-dipped candies for the holidays which were sold to companies and individuals.

He served on the Bluewell Public Service District and he felt one of his greatest achievements in that service was when the folks on Bramwell Hill Road and on Browning Lambert Mountain received plenty of clean water.

He was a loving, kind and generous person who always had a funny story to tell. His quick wit kept folks chuckling as he would embellish his tales of growing up as a poor coal miner’s son.

He adored his daughters and was especially proud that he was able to see them both receive their college degrees.

He was often seen working at the church or sweeping a street in the community. Always willing to help anyone at any time, Donnie will be missed for his compassion and care.

Those surviving include his wife of 61 years, Elizabeth ‘Betty’ Harman Goins, and their daughters Selina Goins Cahill (Jan) of Lewisburg, WV and Sarah Goins Clark (Sidney) of Bluefield, VA. Grandchildren are Samantha Cahill Wilson (Ryan) of Lewisburg, WV; Haley Cahill Teubert (Chris) of Lewisburg, WV; and Riley Harvey of Bluefield, VA. Great grandchildren are Brice Wilson of Lewisburg and Amelia and Audrey Teubert of Lewisburg.

Other survivors include: James and Arlene Goins; Kelly and Vickie Goins; Harold and Elsie Goins; Judy Bragg; Sisters-in-law Renee Goins; Bonnie Goins; Margaret Fohr; as well as Brother-in-law Robert Harman; and extended family members.

Preceding him in death were his parents and brothers Melvin, Ray, Walter, Roger, and Conley Goins. Sisters-in-law include Willia, Helen, and Betty; Brothers-in-law Harry Bragg and Thomas William Harman.

Graveside services will be held on Friday, July 24, 2026 at Woodlawn Memorial Gardens at 11:00am with Dr. Tracey Stout officiating. Pallbearers honored to serve include Jan Cahill, Sidney Clark, Ryan Wilson, Chris Teubert, Scottie Spangler, Ethan Spangler, Marty Gearheart, and Tony Malamacci. Cravens-Shires Funeral Home is serving the Goins family.

A celebration of Life will be held at the Bramwell Masonic Temple at 12:30pm on the same day.

Per Donnie’s request, all gifts of love should be sent to Bramwell Presbyterian Church or Bluefield Union Mission.