Bill G. Donaldson, loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and great-great-grandfather, passed away peacefully Monday, April 3, 2023.
Visitation: 6pm to 8pm, Wednesday, April 5 at Lake Shore Funeral Home.
Graveside service: 10am, Thursday, April 6 at Wortham Bend Cemetery.
He was a blessing and example to those who knew him. Bill was happiest when he was with his family and loved ones.
He was born October 28, 1931 in Cameron, Texas, the third born son to Curtis Chesley and Ruby Aycock Donaldson. On October 19, 1962, he married Joan Bryant in Waco. They shared 58 wonderful years of marriage.
Bill was an avid softball player and played for Inmon’s and Jess Radle’s softball teams. He also loved baseball and coached his sons Curt, Mark, and Kyle at Northern Little League from 1964 to 1982. He refereed football from 1953 to 1985.
Bill was a dairyman in the Central Texas area until going to work with his cousin, Elmer Donaldson, at Donaldson Office Supplies. In 1970, he bought The Country Store in China Spring. He ran the store until running for Constable in 1972. He won that election and the next 5. He was Constable of Precinct 1 for 24 years. Before taking the job as Constable, Sheriff Jack Harwell gave Bill a job as a Sheriff’s Deputy.
He was a member of Park Lake Drive Baptist Church. He was co-owner of Donaldson Sand and Gravel Company.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Joan Bryant Donaldson; son, Kelly Bryant Donaldson; father and mother; and brothers, Jack and Donnell Donaldson.
He is survived by his sons, Curt Donaldson of China Spring, Mark Donaldson and wife Debbie of Waco, Donnell Donaldson of Robinson, and Kyle Donaldson and wife Chrissy of Waco; daughters, Kim Jernigan and husband Richard of China Spring, and Micah Kroll and husband Steve of Waco; and many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren.
Grandsons will be pallbearers.
Memorial contributions may be made in memory of Bill to the Wortham Bend Cemetery, P.O. Box 27, China Spring, TX 76633.
Place of Service: Wortham Bend Cemetery , 614 Oak Grove Loop; China Spring, TX 76633
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My Dad was more than what it says in his obituary. He spent many days learning more about who Jesus was and how great heaven will be. He took us fishing every year in Bend, Texas, on the Colorado river around this time of year. He coached numerous baseball teams of all ages. He refereed football for many years and loved the traveling to small communities. He taught Curt and myself the skills of stripping parking lots and other ways to earn good honest money. He loved his children until the very end and appreciated their love for him. He maybe gone, but he will never be forgotten.
Mark, I’m so sorry for your loss. I remember going to your house when we were in high school and seeing Joan and your dad. They were both so nice. May God comfort you during this time and always.
Mark, Debbie, and Curt, I am so sorry to hear of your Dad’s passing, I don’t believe I ever meet him. I’m sorry I missed out on the blessing. I know he had to be in the raising of his children and the love apparently that he had for y’all and the grand and great-grandchildren. He and your Mom definitely left a legacy to continue the good work of loving people and being salt upon the earth.
There are no words to express how sad we are to hear of Bill’s passing. To know Bill was to love him dearly. He was always like a second Dad to me growing up, I’ll always cherish the great memories our family shared. All of you are in mine and Jeff’s prayers.
Love,
Jeff & Connie Palmer
I am so sorry for your loss Bill was a sweet and wonderful man.God Bless all of you.all of you are in my thoughts and prayers.
Bill was an example of what a good man should be. He loved his God, his family and his work whatever he did he gave 100% I remember my daddy telling stories of he and Bill growing up together. My dad was a Bill also and he loved Bill Donaldson. Now they’re walking the heavenly streets talking about playing football for South junior as young boys. He was truly a good man and the world was a better place with him in it.
He was my friend and helped me in hard times. He will be missed by myself and my wife. James Gula and wife Mary
All my life he was my Dads best buddy. I’ve heard tell of stories from tipping cows to high school happenings. Loved this man amd his family like my own. He will be so very missed.
I was so glad to Mr. Donaldson when Micah brought him to the Class Runion cookout to see me. It brought me to tears. He was my Coach at Northern Little League for Bill & Bob’s and U.C.T.
My deepest sympathy to the Donaldson family. Thoughts and Prayers toyou all.
Sending all of our love and sympathy to the entire Donaldson family. I will always remember Uncle Bill as a gregarious man with funny stories and jokes to tell all that gathered. He will be missed. R.I.P. Uncle Bill
I was Bill’s pastor in the late 70s. Loved his spirit. Enjoyed his friendship and positive approach to everyone. He was a breath of fresh air. Praying for the family.
Our thoughts and prayers are with family and friends.
The McGee Family
My thoughts and prayers are with the Donaldson family. Curt, I’m sorry for y’all’s loss.
Dear Donaldson family. I was so sad to hear about Bill’s passing. I always loved his smile and happiness and will remember those always. I was blessed to have known him. Hugs, love and prayers to you all as you go through this difficult time. In Christ’s love and mine.
We are saddened to hear about Bill’s passing. He and Joan were loved and admired by our family. When Jackie was 16, Bill coached him in baseball, that was 60 years ago. Jackie continued to love Bill and says he was a great friend. When our daughter, Shanna, graduated from high school, Bill hired her to work for him at the Court House. She loved and respected him so much! All the Balch families loved and admired Bill and Joan. We use to go camping and fishing with them and Harold…what a pair they were!!! Bill was a hard worker, positive and always glad to see you. He greeted you with that great big smile, a hug, and a big pat on the back. He was always ready to help you when needed. He and Joan were the cutest couple. We loved them so much. They were good people! It was a blessing to have them as our friends.
We are praying for your family.
I’m saddened over his passing, but take comfort in knowing Bill lived a full life. He was always such a kind and gentle man. Gregarious at times and soft spoken when called to sooth a troubled heart. Mark, you and Curt are like brothers to me and your dad was and remains to this very day a very strong influence in my life. He walks with our Lord Jesus Christ now. I pray you guys find comfort and peace in these days ahead. I love y’all.
Curt, Kim, sending prayers and hugs to you both. My condolences to you and all the family. May you find comfort in knowing he is with the Lord.
Dear Kim and Micah and Family,
Just wanted to send some love your way after hearing about the loss of your dad.
Praying that all of the love that is surrounding you will get you through the days to come.
Will be thinking of you and praying for you.
Much love,
Schultzie and Scot Smith
Frisco, Tx
So sorry to hear this!Sending my prayers to you all ! Mr Bill was a sweet kind man ! God bless you in the days ahead. Denise Stafford