Obituary: Bishop Manuel Donis
Bishop Manuel Donis, a man unlike any other. Born with a purpose and destined for greatness. He knew the critical mission of soul winning would require him to sell out to God with a determination of not allowing anything or anyone to turn him around. The light of God’s Word overpowered the plan of the enemy and captured his heart by transforming his mind and allowing him to impact multitudes with the love of God. He was born on May 18, 1968, in Queensbridge, New York, to Ramiro Donis and Dorothy Pearl Pugh. New York couldn’t hold him because God’s intention was for him to impact Tennessee with a powerful message of love, faith, hope, and charity. Charity was his middle name. Bishop Donis gave to everyone who asked. He gave to everyone in need. Bishop Donis gave until he could not give anymore.
1 Corinthians 13:2 says, “And though I have the gift of prophecy and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing.” God used him in ministry to rear others to know God for themselves. He often said, “If you can take the squeeze, God will pull you through.” God delivered him through many obstacles, trials and tribulations by showing him that salvation is found in Jesus Christ. Bishop Donis’ prison experience changed him forever. His testimony still rings for miles as an example that God can and will save.
In 2003, his legacy of love reflected in his 20-year marriage to the love of his life, Pastor Sharon Donis. They traveled for many years together practicing The Great Commission. (Mathew 28:16-20). He was also introduced to his spiritual father, Bishop Wesley J. Arije, that same year. That is when he realized he needed a spiritual covering with wisdom, knowledge, and understanding. One who would give wise council and continue guiding him in the direction of the cross. Bishop Arije and mother Betty Arije where the spiritual parents he desired his entire life. In 2006, he became the proud pastor of then, Pleasant Grove Missionary Baptist Church. God compelled his heart by allowing him to realize that “more” must be introduced into the community in order for God’s power to be effective. That “more” would end up carrying the pillar of light to the now, Rivers of Life International Ministries (ROLIM). Bishop Donis often said, “Follow me as I follow Christ. If I stop following Christ, stop following me.” As God led him forward, the ROLIM family began experience a move of the Holy Spirit down on the inside. Many souls have been saved and many lives have been transformed because of Bishop Donis’ solid Bible teaching. God will take the rejected, and make them the respected! Many ROLIM leaders considered him their spiritual father. His commitment to his children and family was evident.
He leaves to cherish his memory his wife, Sharon Donis; children, Manuel Deondre Donis, Adijas Rose Greene, Arcshana Donis, Holly Woods, and Jeremiah Donis; siblings, Barry Pugh, Rose Moore, Anthony Donis, Johnathan Donis, and Fred Spight; his mother, Dorothy Pearl Pugh; many grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and cousins; his favorite cousin and most loyal friend, Elder Steven Luellen; his Pittsburgh Family; his March of Faith Family and friends; the entire Hardeman County community; his auction family and friends; and Mr. Poppy Poppenhiemer. His most beloved nephew, Marcus Haddix, proceeded him in death but they are both rejoicing with the angels before the throne of God.
For those who have given their lives to Jesus Christ, to be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord. Bishop Manuel Donis is rejoicing in heaven. He made it! Please make sure you make it too.
His funeral service will be held at Rivers of Life International Ministries on Saturday November 18, 2023, at 1 p.m. with Bishop Wesley J. Arije in charge. Burial will be in the church cemetery in Grand Junction. Dixie Funeral Home is in charge of the professional service.
Courtesy of Dixie Funeral Home, Bolivar, Tennessee.
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