Christopher Filer Donovan's Obituary
Christopher Filer Donovan, age 54, from Memphis, TN passed away at his apartment on the Mississippi River in Memphis, TN in May 2024.
Christopher was born June 16, 1969 in Memphis, TN to parents Nancy Virginia Yarbrough Donovan and Francis Daniel Donovan, Sr. He was the third of their three sons.
Christopher attended Memphis University School and Lausanne Collegiate School and graduated from Millsaps College in 1991 with a B.A. in English. While there he received a Ford Foundation Teaching Fellowship. He was active in the Alpha Iota chapter of Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity. Following college he studied Psychology, earning a M.A. from the University of West Georgia in Carrollton, GA.
Christopher attended law school at Indiana University in Bloomington, IN where he participated in the Trial Competition Team and the Order of Barristers. He worked as a Law Clerk for the Tennessee Court of Criminal Appeals in 2004-2005.
Much of Christopher’s law career was spent with Hollywood Feed, where he worked as In-House Counsel and then served as Director of Legal. He was very involved in wide ranging areas of this business including multiple commercial contracts, marketing, and compliance.
Christopher was passionate about his music. Most recently he enjoyed singing classic jazz numbers for local engagements with DONOVAN LIVE.
Christopher loved animals. He took care of many dogs and cats but had an incredibly special bond with his dog Poopers whom he rescued. Poopers was Chris’s constant companion and through walks with Poopers, Christopher met many people that would play an important part in his life.
Christopher was always most comfortable and happy when he was entertaining. He described himself on his personal business card as singer, jazz pianist, and attorney. Whether it be in front of a large audience like his performances in “Oliver” in 1982 and 2007, or with his mother Nancy at a Trezevant event, he was at ease bringing happiness to those he knew through his intelligence, charm, and personality.
Visitation will be held at 10am on Saturday, June 22 at Church of the Holy Spirit in Memphis, followed by a funeral mass at 11am.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Humane Society of Memphis.
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