Donald Eugene Hornsby

Donald Eugene Hornsby, 80, of Columbia, died on Sunday, April 12, 2026. Born on March 30, 1946, in Columbia, he was the son of Lonnie Hornsby and Donna Stewart Frye.

Mr. Hornsby was raised in the Rosewood community of Columbia and was a proud graduate of Eau Claire High School. His career was marked by an impressive tenure in the retail grocery industry, where he spent over 30 years with Piggly Wiggly and more than 20 years with Food Lion.

Mr. Hornsby found great joy in the embrace of nature as an avid fisherman and hunter. He especially cherished the thrill of deer driving with hounds. In his younger years, he channeled his love for speed by working on hot rod cars and drag racing. He will be remembered for his tireless work ethic, his love for the outdoors, and his commitment to providing for his family.

Survivors include his children, Christopher Eugene Hornsby (Cindy) and April Hornsby Hinnant (Rhett), both of Lexington, South Carolina; his granddaughters, Corrie Hornsby and Kaylah Hornsby; and his great-grandchildren, Lydia Emerson Bailey, Ian Brooks Bailey, and Lily Blair Bailey. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Joyce Elizabeth Branham Hornsby, and his grandson, Christian Neil Hornsby.

A graveside service for Mr. Hornsby be held at 11:30 AM, Thursday, April 16th, at Memorial Gardens of Columbia, 9301 Wilson Blvd, Columbia, SC.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made in his memory to the Prisma Health Children’s Hospital – Midlands, 1600 Marion Street, Columbia, SC 29201.

Shives Funeral Home, Trenholm Road Chapel, is assisting the family.