Michael Dale McDonald

Michael named his fishing vessel “Waymaker” honoring his Lord and Savior.  “Waymaker” best describes the fiery determination placed in Michael by the Father. He was a pathfinder, a pioneer seeing through the lens of possibility and potential.

Michael was born in Wilmington, NC.  He spent his first six years playing in the woods and marsh off Futch Creek with his brother Corey, and sisters, Joy and Shelley. He memorized the Lutheran liturgy “acting” as pastor waiting for his siblings to respond. Moving to Whiteville, NC for first grade, he met many life-long friends. Michael joined cub scouts, played baseball including All Stars, and enjoyed fishing, hunting, camping, and working out in the gym. He attended Highest Praise Church giving his life to the Lord at age 9, led by his sister, Shelley.

At Whiteville High School, Michael was selected for the National Honor Society, the US Presidential Scholars Program, and received a full ROTC scholarship to ECU graduating in 2006. He chose to attend Haywood Community College in the mountains receiving a Fish and Wildlife Management degree in 2011, spending several years with the NC Wildlife Commission in the Game Lands Division as a Wildlife Technician from the mountains to the Outer Banks. He then attended the University of Tennessee, Knoxville graduating from the Unexploded Ordinance Training Program, traveling throughout the US clearing fields for the military. Between assignments he completed a small cabin on his land off Futch Creek continuing to enjoy hunting and fishing. Purchasing a fishing vessel he named “Waymaker” he provided fish and oysters to a local restaurant.

Pursuing his dream to fish commercially, Michael took his vessel to the Outer Banks meeting fisherman-pastor Robby Midgett on the water. He worshiped at Bayview Chapel and attended a men’s Bible Study in Wanchese. In Wanchese, he met the love of his life, Haley Daniels, walking his dog E-man (Emmanual). He continued to fish commercially giving the Lord the glory for a big catch.

Michael experienced unthinkable loss in his life and torment but always found hope in Jesus. We do not understand but we know the One who loved Michael so much. He was willing to give His life for him. It is our hope that the world might know this great love in Jesus.

Michael is survived by his mother, Karen Clark, sister Joy and husband Josh Benton, nephew Ryland and niece Hadley. He is preceded in death by his father, John McDonald III, sister Shelley and brother John Corey McDonald.

“We have this hope as an anchor for the soul firm and secure…” Hebrews 6:19

A celebration of life service will be held Saturday, March 9, 2024 at 2 pm at Global River Church 4702 South College Rd Wilmington, NC.

Memorials can be made to Global River Church 4702 South College Rd Wilmington, NC 28412 and Bayview Chapel 238 Bayview Dr Stumpy Point, NC 27978