May 29, 1922 – August 28, 2012
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Walter was the son of the late Arthur and Mary McDonald, Sr. He was a 1940 graduate of Durham High School. Walter continued his education at Duke University and earned an Associate Bachelors in 1944 and a Bachelor of Divinity in 1948. A second-generation Dukie, Walter remained an avid supporter of Duke University and a most loyal fan of Blue Devil athletics throughout his 90 years.
Walter spent thirty-one years of outstanding and dedicated service as a member of the faculty and administration of Louisburg College in the capacity of Professor of Religion and Education, Dean of Students, and Assistant to the Vice-President. He was especially supportive of Louisburg College athletics, serving as public address announcer for basketball, scorekeeper for baseball, and president of the Hurricane Club. His service was recognized through induction into the inaugural class of the Louisburg College Hurricane Hall of Fame.
Walter was an active supporter of his church and community. An ordained deacon and elder of the Methodist Church, he served as associate minister of Central Methodist Church of Springfield, Ohio (1949-1950). He served as minister of Riverside Methodist Church of New Bern, NC (1950-1953) and Franklinton Methodist Church, Franklinton, NC (1953-1956). He was a faithful member of Louisburg United Methodist Church through participation in Methodist Men, Chancel Choir, and Bible study. Community involvement at Louisburg High School included Parent Advisory Board, football Public Address announcer, and president of both athletic and band boosters. Among his many other public services, Walter was president of Franklin County Senior Democrats; a scout master, having been an Eagle Scout himself; a Little League coach; volunteer with the American Red Cross; Lion’s Club member; Louisburg Town Planning Board member; Franklin County Board of Social Services member; Town and Country Recreation Center board member and organizer; and Northeast Piedmont Chorale officer, board of director, and member.
Despite his many varied interests, Walter’s family was his central focus. His unconditional love and devotion to his role as husband, father, and Pop Pop will remain a guiding example to all that knew and loved him. Walter was predeceased by parents; sisters, Alice Davis and Dr. Ruth Vingiello; brother, Arthur McDonald, Jr., and daughter, Beth Royal.
Walter is survived by his wife of 62 years, Joyce B. McDonald; daughters, Fern (Kenneth) Howerin of Charlotte, Marcella McDonald of Louisburg; sons, Neill (Lynn) McDonald of Oxford, Robert (Susan) McDonald of Roanoke Rapids, and John McDonald of Louisburg; sister, Flora Dean of Raleigh; 9 grandchildren; 4 great-grandchildren.
Funeral service will be held at Louisburg United Methodist Church at 4:00 pm on Thursday, August 30th. The family will receive friends immediately following the service.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Louisburg United Methodist Church, 402 North Main Street, Louisburg, NC 27549. Arrangements are by Strickland Funeral Home & Crematory, Louisburg, www.stricklandfuneralhome.net.
Paid Obituary