Donald "Donnie" Lee Tomlinson, 71, of Carolina Shores, NC passed away on Monday, April 6, 2026, at his home following a time of declining health.

Donnie was born in Amsterdam, NY, on July 12, 1954, and was a son of the late Clayton and Irene Narowsky Tomlinson. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his three siblings, James Tomlinson, Sandra Garrison and Sheila Blankenbaker, as well as granddaughter, Ariella Faith Messier.

He was a proud US Marine Corps veteran and a member of St. Brendan The navigator Catholic Church. Donnie was also retired from Owens Corning Fibeglas, Delmar, NY. Donnie enjoyed time with his family, held his friends in high regard, and shared a connection with animals, especially his previous companion, Deacon. He loved cars and was an auto racing enthusiast. Additionally, his love of the ocean was realized when he permanently relocated to Carolina Shores from Hagaman, NY.

Surviving are his Loving wife of 48 years, Michele Barscz Tomlinson; children, Nicole Marie Messier (Jason), Kyle Michael Tomlinson; grandchildren, Everly Grace Messier and Liana Violet Messier, all of NC, his dear brother-in-law, John (Marlana) Barscz, of Saratoga Springs, NY and a number of nieces, nephews and cousins.

A mass of intentions will be held at St Brendan the Navigator Roman Catholic Church on Monday, June 22, 2026, at 9:00 am. There will also be additional celebration of life services at a later date.

The family respectfully requests that donations be made in his name to Carolina Border Collie Rescue at

Carolina Border Collie Rescue, 1391 Kildaire Farm Road #1001 Cary, NC 27511 or https://www.cbcr.org/donate .

Online condolences are encouraged and may be sent to the family at www.fulwoodfuneralservice.com

Michael J Fulwood Funeral & Cremation Service

Carolina Border Collie Rescue
1391 Kildaire Farm Road #1001, Cary NC 27511
Web: https://www.cbcr.org/donate