Donald Ray Jones was born December 10, 1950 in Corpus Christi, Texas to Nathaniel Jones Sr. and Lina Mae Sims Jones. Donald received his formal education in Corpus Christi attending the West Oso School System , where he was involved in football, track, and baseball. Donald continued his education attending Job Corp in San Marcos, Texas. Donald soon entered the workforce and was employed for Nicks Drug Store and H.E.B.