Kovacs
WAYCROSS — Donald E. Kovacs, 85, of Waycross died Friday afternoon, April 10, 2026, at his residence after an extended illness.
Kovacs was born in Carteret, N.J., to the late Julius Kovacs and Mary Clin owsky Kovacs, and made Waycross his home for most of his life. He served his country faithfully in the United States Air Force and went on to become a dedicated firefighter who started his career with the Carteret Fire Department in New Jersey. He then went on to serve as the Fire Chief at the Savannah Southside Fire Department before moving to Waycross to become the Fire Chief of the Waycross Fire Department where he retired after 19 years of service.
Kovacs was a member and former president of the Southeastern Association of Fire Chiefs under the International Association of Fire Chiefs and a member of the Knights of Columbus. He enjoyed fishing and worked for the Ware County Sheriff's Department as a bailiff at the Ware County Court House.
Kovacs is survived by his wife of 29 years, Susan Kovacs of Waycross; five children, Donald Kovacs (wife Vanessa), Tammy Kovacs, Lisa Wallace (husband Curt), Aaron Reynolds (wife Joy), and Gavin Reynolds (wife Samantha); nine grandchildren; three siblings, Doris, Aileen, and Butch; as well as numerous nieces, nephews and other relatives.
Memorialization is by cremation. The family will hold a memorial service at a later date.
Sympathy may be expressed by signing online at www.milesodumfuneralhome. com Miles-Odum Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.
