Bishop Donald E. Fisher

November 6, 1934 - April 21, 2020

Bishop Donald Elmer Fisher, 85, was called home on April 21, 2020 in Cleveland, TN. Bishop Fisher was born in Zephyrhills, FL and grew up in Madison, FL. He became a minister with the Church of God at 18-years-old while living in Colorado and spent the majority of his pastoral work in Florida, with 20 years leading Brandon Church of God and four years leading Dover Church of God before retiring. He dedicated himself to ministering to severely mentally handicapped children, bringing hope to those who others had given up on. He also worked as an accountant and was continually seeking opportunities to learn. To most, he was lovingly referred to as Pastor Fisher, but to his family, he was simply Donnie, Dad, or Grampsey. He was a man of unwavering faith and integrity, who lived his life behind pulpits and pews and left a legacy of love and service. He adored his sweetheart of 66 years, Nancy Arabella Fisher, lovingly calling out “ARABELLA” when he needed help buttoning a shirt sleeve, finding a lost sock, or needed a glass of sweet tea. His pockets always had a handkerchief to wipe away tears, clean up boo-boos, and wipe the sweat off of his forehead during a particularly spirited sermon (during which his son always viewed with enthusiasm from the front pew.) He loved to visit the ocean, mountains, and historical sites, and spent hours with laughter flowing from within his deep well of joy. No matter the circumstances, he taught his children and grandchildren to find adventure in the mundane, and to see the best in others despite the cynicism of the world. When he spoke, he had a way of making the world make sense, giving the listener his undivided attention, and he never shied away from sharing words of wisdom. When his mind failed him, his spirit remained strong and he continued to seek the Holy Spirit’s guidance, finding respite in song. Bishop Fisher leaves behind his wife, Nancy Arabella Fisher with whom he shared four children: Michael D. Fisher; Candis Fisher Bartlett and her husband Thomas; Victoria Fisher Fernandez and her husband Dominic; and Kathie Fisher Transki and her husband David; nine grand-children: Kelly N. Collier and her husband Jarrod; Krista L. Lyons and her husband Otis; Alyssa N. Fernandez; Matthew D. Transki and his wife Hanna; Jenna A. Bataller and her husband Lee; Nicholas T. Fernandez; Tyler M. Bartlett; Kyle Transki; and Kylie Transki; and four great-grandchildren: Gwendolyn R. Collier; Aeden Knapp; Benjamin E. Collier; and Otis Oliver Lyons; and his sister Neona Fisher Daughtry and her husband Allen, and his brother Victor Eugene “Butch” Fisher and many nieces and nephew. The Remembrance of Life Memorial Service will be conducted at a later time. The Jim Rush Funeral and Cremation Services North Ocoee Chapel has charge of the arrangements. You may share your condolences and your memories with the Fisher family at www.jimrushfuneralhomes.com.