William E. McDonald
March 27, 1932 ~ March 19, 2024
Born in:
Monterey, Tennessee
Resided in:
Nashville, Tenessee
William E. (Willie) McDonald passed away on March 19, 2024, at the age of 91. He was born in Monterey, Tennessee, on March 27, 1932, one of eleven children, to the late Maurice and Beulah Ledbetter McDonald. Preceded in death by brothers Alden, Charles, James, Roy & Tom, and sisters Mary Frances Luck, Dimple Miller, Deanne Burrum, and Noel Merritt.
Willie married his wife, Helen Jean Hinson, on September 3, 1953, and she passed away on January 2, 2023, after 69 years of marriage.
Mr. McDonald is survived by his sons, William E. Jr. (Bill), and Robert L. (Bob) and wife Susan, grandchildren, Elizabeth Collins (Chris), Catherine Tuck (Andrew), Caroline Griswold (Allan), Robert (Mallory), and Michael (Kate), seven great-grandsons and one great granddaughter, sister Anna Rose Warren and sister-in-law Barbara Hinson, of Hohenwald, Tennessee, and a host of nieces, nephews and great nieces and nephews.
Willie was a dedicated member of the Donelson Presbyterian Church since 1972 serving as deacon, elder and elder emeritus. He attended Eakin, Cavert and graduated from West End High School in 1950, and graduated from LSU School of Banking in 1975.
On July 6, 1950, McDonald joined Third National Bank (SunTrust) and retired in 2003 as Senior Vice President and enjoyed a very successful career, spending 46 of those years in the Donelson community, where he built many business and personal relationships with his loyal customers and friends. He was most dedicated to his Donelson community and the overall Nashville area. Willie joined CedarStone Bank in 2004 and retired in 2019.
McDonald believed in being community involved serving on numerous civic, social, community, and educational boards, just to name a few: Metropolitan Industrial Development Board, Nashville Electric Service, Nashville Convention Center, Music City Center, Ladies Hermitage Association, American Cancer Society, Donelson-Hermitage Chamber of Commerce, Goodpasture Christian School, PENCIL, Boy Scouts of America, YMCA, Senior Citizens Foundation, McKendree Village Foundation and McLeroy Foundation and too many more to name.
Over the years, Willie was recognized by the following organizations: Tennessee Bankers Association Wall of Fame, Tennessee State Senate and House of Representatives with resolution naming him “Unofficial Mayor Of Donelson”, Donelson-Hermitage Chamber of Commerce Business Man of the year twice, Donelson Civitan Club Man of Donelson, and the Lions Club Melvin Jones Fellowship Award.
Visitation will be held on Wednesday, March 27 from 2:00 pm until 4:00 pm, with service to follow at 4:30 pm, at the Donelson Presbyterian Church, 2305 Lebanon Road, Nashville, Tennessee, 37214. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Donelson Presbyterian Church, or Alive Hospice, 1718 Patterson Street, Nashville, Tennessee, 37203.
Arrangements in the care of Compassion Funeral and Cremation Services, 6949 Charlotte Pike, Suite 104, Nashville, Tennessee 37209. 615-357-9955. We proudly remain locally and operated.
Services
Visitation: March 27, 2024 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Donelson Presbyterian Church
2305 Lebanon Road
Nashville, TN 37214
Memorial Service: March 27, 2024 4:30 pm
Donelson Presbyterian Church
2305 Lebanon Road
Nashville, TN 37214
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Mr. McDonald is a trusted and dear friend to me and my family as well as a mentor. He has been instrumental in my career and helped teach me the true meaning of community support and involvement. His legacy and commitment to serving others will carry on for many years to come. Thank you for always being so supportive and kind to me and the Barker family.
Mr McDonald was one of the first to welcome me to Nashville when I moved here after marrying John L Barker . He was so very kind and a dear friend to the Barker family .
Willie McDonald was a banker of the old school and by that I mean he incorporated the best the qualities it takes to be good at what you. He knew his customers on a personal level; he believed that character must be the foundation of any relationship; he was a good husband, father, and friend. He had a strong faith. I knew a lot of branch bankers in my experience. Willie was simply the best. RIP old friend. John Clay, former President and CEO, Third National Bank.
Willie had known 4 generations of Lovelaces and Niederhausers. Always a good friend and community leader. He and James A Webb jr were the roll models that helped with my 40 year banking career. We are fortunate to have had Willie in our lives and he made us better.
Loving memories and prayers to his family.
Lynda
Felt blessed that I knew Willie and could call him a friend, my heartfelt condolences to Bill and Bob.
Willie was one of the best influences a young banker could ever have. As a mgt trainee in 1986, fresh out of college, had a lot to learn and Willie always took the time to share his wisdom. Forever grateful for all the memories and experiences gained at the Donelson branch. RIP Mr. Mac – you were a true blessing to so many.
“Pillar of the Community” is truly an understatement when we think of Willie. The Donelson-Hermitage community benefitted immensely from his inspiring leadership in immeasurable ways. May God bless & comfort the entire McDonald family. And thank you for sharing Willie with the rest of us for so many years.