Donald Davis Ready

Donald Davis Ready, age 90, formerly of Brandon, passed away on September14, 2026. He was born in Columbia, Mississippi, on January 13, 1936.

Don and his wife, Laverne, began their married life in the Washington, D.C., area, where Don was employed by the FBI in its fingerprint division. In 1963, they returned to Mississippi, where Don served for five years as a state trooper with the Mississippi Highway Patrol in Claiborne County. In 1968, Don became director of the Mississippi Crime Lab, and they made their home in Brandon. In the years that followed, he served as chief polygraph examiner for the Department of Public Safety and later became the District 1 investigator. He was subsequently asked to return to the Crime Lab as director to lead the effort to build additional crime labs throughout the state. He retired in 1986 after 23 years of service with the Mississippi Highway Patrol.

After his retirement, Don and Laverne enjoyed traveling throughout the country. Don took up golf and finally had time to fish whenever he wanted. He also took up woodworking, building furniture, unique birdhouses, and custom mailbox covers. Don taught himself to play the guitar and even challenged himself by taking banjo lessons. An active Mason for more than 50 years, Don attained the 32nd degree in the Scottish Rite of Freemasonry.

Don was preceded in death by his wife, Laverne Ready; his parents, Irma and Barney Ready; and his siblings, John Ready (Dorothy), Doris Ready, and Daly Ready. He is survived by his daughters, Felicia Wilson (Terry) of Brandon and Kay Raymond of Cary, NC; his grandson, Brad Wilson (Anna), and great-granddaughter, Katherine, of Cincinnati, OH; his cousin, Betty Barnes of Polaris, MT; his nephews, Tommy Ready (Carolyn) of Rowlett, TX, and Rev. Curtis Ready (Judy) of Summit, MS; and his close, lifelong friends.

The family extends special thanks to Cooperwood Senior Living, Vital Caring Hospice, and Best Care 4U Home Care for the wonderful care and support they provided.

A private service was held at Montgomery Baptist Church Cemetery in Summit, MS. Ott & Lee Funeral Home in Brandon, MS handled arrangements.