T.W. McDonald

Died: Feb. 11, 2013

KINGSPORT -- Theron White "T" McDonald, 87, went to be with his Lord Monday.

He was born June 26, 1925, in Greene County and had lived in Kingsport for the past 69 years.

He graduated from Baileyton High School in 1943. Upon graduation, he began work at Tennessee Eastman Corp., where he met his future wife, Eula Mabel Lawson. They were married on April 19, 1953.

Before marrying Eula, "T" served in the U.S. Army in Germany during the Korean War, in the 4th Infantry Division, from August 1950 - August 1952.

He retired from Tennessee Eastman on June 30, 1985, following more than 41 years of service.

"T" was devoted to his family and took great pride in his beautiful wife, his sons, daughters-in-law, and grandchildren.

He was a committed servant at his church, Temple Baptist, where he served as deacon, Bible study teacher, Sunday School superintendent, and Training Union director.

"T" loved people - his church friends, his co-workers, his neighbors, check-out clerks at the grocery store, and particularly children.

Known as "Mr. T" to the children, he would regularly give them candy at church.

"T" also loved photography, woodworking, gardening, camping and trucks. He enjoyed exploring different campgrounds and also drove a truck as his vehicle of choice.

Most importantly, "T" loved Jesus and was a good ambassador for Christ.

He was preceded in death by his father, William "Bill" McDonald; his mother, Sanna White McDonald; stepmother, Inez Doty McDonald; and brother-in-law, Clifford Brown.

Survivors include his loving wife of 59 years: Eula McDonald; son: Roger McDonald and wife, Jerilyn, and their children: Jonathan and wife, Melissa, and Allison and fiancé, Brittian Blaylock; son: Jerry McDonald and wife, Bonita, and their children: Alex and Elliott; sister: Rowena Brown; brother: Steve McDonald and wife, Brenda; and several nieces and nephews.

The family will receive friends from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Friday at Temple Baptist Church, 2200 Memorial Court, Kingsport.

A celebration of life service will follow at 1 p.m. at the church with Pastor Brian Schuler, senior pastor, officiating.

A military graveside service will follow in East Lawn Memorial Park, Kingsport, conducted by the American Legion Hammond Post No. 3 and Gate City Post No. 265.

Pallbearers will be Jonathan McDonald, Alex McDonald, Elliott McDonald, Scott McDonald, Jason McDonald and Brittian Blaylock will serve as pallbearers.

Temple Baptist Church deacons will be honorary pallbearers.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Temple Baptist Church, 2200 Memorial Court, Kingsport, TN 37660; or The Gideon's International, Kingsport East Camp, P.O. Box 3217, Kingsport, TN 37664.

Carter-Trent Funeral Home, downtown Kingsport, is serving the McDonald family.

Condolences may be sent to the family at http://www.cartertrent.com.