Willie MCDONALD

On October 24, 1929 the sun rose on Willie Daniel McDonald, Sr., as he was born to Mattie Combs and Mitchel McDonald in Terry, Mississippi.

On August 9, 2015 the sun set on Willie Daniel McDonald when he was called to sleep in Jesus at the Meadowbrook Nursing and Rehab Center in Blue Ash, Ohio; he was 85 years old.

"W.D" (also affectionately called "Skillet" or "Dubb") was the sole proprietor of McDonald Brothers Painting and Contracting Company before he retired. He was instrumental in hiring young people from Oakwood College, Pine Forge Academy, and Andrews University to work for their tuition during the holidays and summer months. W.D's work team also included his sons. Many of these young people are now professionals serving in their communities.

He was devoted to being the Head Deacon at the Jefferson Avenue Seventh-day Adventist (SDA) Church in Rochester, New York. His ministry continued at Ephesus SDA Church in Meridian, Mississippi as well as South Jackson SDA Church in Jackson, Mississippi where he also served as Head Deacon. W.D attended three other churches in Florida where he continued to do personal ministry: Maranatha, Apopka; Mt. Sinai, Orlando; and Saved to Serve International Ministry in Ocoee. He is noted for many sayings that make people laugh - such as (but not limited to): "Don't woke him up let him slep." "He was hotter than a mafia shotgun." "I stay in more hot water then Lipton tea." "I've been kicked out of bigger towns than this." "If you want to see the devil run hit him with the Gospel gun." W.D especially enjoyed quoting Scriptures from memory including Isaiah Chapter 56 and John 14:1-4. He also loved to sing.

In his later years he became more conscientious about his relationship with Christ. He often expressed his praise and gratitude to God with testimony at Prayer Meetings. He would stand and say, "Church, I love the Lord! Do you want to know why I love the Lord? Because he heard my cry!" He would always end his testimony with a resounding, "Praise Him"! W.D looked for that blessed hope and the glorious appearing of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ! (Titus 2:13).

He leaves to cherish his memory: his former wife, Alma Marie McDonald; his sons: Willie Daniel McDonald, Jr. (Melanie), Bernard Alvin McDonald; Jeffrey Alfred McDonald; and Timothy Earl McDonald (Wendy); daughters: Betty Jean Anderson (Willie), Alma Marie McKee, and Mattie Carrington (Andrew). Brothers: Houston McDonald (Jeanette), Clyde McDonald, Avon McDonald, and Ray McDonald. Sisters: Ruth Wright, Esther Hansen (Donald), and a host of nieces, nephews, grandchildren, great grandchildren, other relatives and friends.

The Visitation (11am) and Funeral (12pm) will be Monday, August 17, 2015 at Shiloh SDA Church, 3660 Washington Ave, Cincinnati, OH. Condolences should be sent to the church.

Professional services entrusted to W.E. Lusain Funeral Home.