Don "Donnie" McDonald was born October 20, 1949, in Texarkana, Arkansas, the fifth child of Roy and Lee Lillian McDonald. Growing up in a loving family and close-knit community, he accepted Christ at an early age. Donnie attended graduated from Booker T. Washington High School Class of 1967.

After high school, Donnie attended the University of North Texas where he became a member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. and subsequently graduated with a master's degree in teaching in 1977. Having completed his college education, he began his career in 1978 as a Teacher with the Federal Bureau of Prisons. Donnie would go on to have a long, successful career and beautiful family which included two sons, Anthony, and Brett; his bride, Stephanie McGary and two daughters, Francheska and Shondreya.

Life was blessed and bountiful for Donnie, having spent time traveling, enjoying family gatherings, staying connected with his siblings, and celebrating the birth of grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He always enjoyed time spent with classmates and friends reminiscing about "The Good Old Days."

With all the love and light in his life, Donnie made the decision to retire from the Bureau of Prisons in 2004 after 27 years of employment. Although retired, Donnie did not slow down! He and Stephanie made the move to McKinney, TX in 2008 to the enjoy the next chapter in life. Donnie enjoyed retirement in a new city and, as it was his calling, decided to return to education as a permanent substitute teacher for the McKinney Independent School District.

Donnie departed this world, in peace, on October 5, 2021, in McKinney, TX. He was proceeded in death by his father, Roy McDonald; mother, Lee Lillian McDonald; and brothers Robert McDonald, Ronald McDonald, Glenn McDonald, Leroy McDonald, and Michael McDonald. Donnie is survived by his wife, Stephanie (McGary) McDonald, sister Gwendolyn (Willie) Tubbs; brother Gary (Gvanne) McDonald; his sons, Anthony (Tina) Abner and Brett (Lea Christy) McDonald; his daughters, Francheska McGary and Shondreya McGary; five grandchildren and two great-grandchildren, along with a multitude of nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews, and many others who will miss him dearly.