

He began his career as a master tailor from the age of 18, eventually making a life-changing shift to begin Hebrew studies at age 33 because of his unfaltering search for truth.
He received a Ph.D. in Hebrew Studies from The University of Texas at Austin in 2002 as well as a Master of Arts in Hebrew Studies in 1999. He obtained a Master of Arts in Biblical Literature (1992), a Master of Divinity (1991) and a B.A. in Old Testament (1987) from Oral Roberts University.
As the Founder and President of New Life Teaching Center/New Life Ministries Inc., Dr. McDonald was dedicated to Bible research and education. His ministry and career spanned over thirty years of teaching and educational ministry including 16 years teaching at Oral Roberts University as the Assistant Professor of Old Testament (ret). in the Graduate School of Theology and Missions at Oral Roberts University. Throughout his career and ministry, he taught and hosted various television programs including a national weekly television show called “On Wings of Truth,” that aired on God’s Learning Channel (GLC). He served as a member of the Board of Directors as the National Director for Race Relations in The American Forum for Jewish-Christian Cooperation, from 1987-1994. He also led study tours to Israel.
Not only was he a prolific teacher, minister and author, traveling nationwide and internationally to deliver the truth of God’s Word, Dr. McDonald was a visionary. In his later years, he was working on a groundbreaking manuscript that would bring freedom to the Church. He was also in the planning stages of opening a university focused on Hebrew studies.
William had a great love for family and friends, pouring so much into each one. After seeking counsel with William, you learned that he was never going to tell you what to do. He would show you practical application of the Word of God to empower you to discover the answers you needed.
William was an avid golfer, loved tacos and nachos and was a tried-and-true UT Longhorn fan.
William is preceded in death by his parents, Agnew McDonald Jr. and Annie Ruth King and brother, Curtis Lee McDonald
He is survived by his loving wife, Margaret Ann McDonald, son, Shaun (Kesha) McDonald, daughter, Shalle (Louis) Williams, son, Miguel McDonald and son, William McDonald Jr.; sister, Pauletta (Albert) McCollum; grandchildren. Sesily, Spencer, Skylar, Paislee, Shemaya, Gabe, David, William III, Yahli, Zarian and Lily; 7 great grandchildren and 20 great-great grandchildren.
A visitation will be held from from 12:00 pm to 2:00 pm on Sunday, March 8, 2026 at Cook-Walden/Forest Oaks Funeral Home, 6300 West William Cannon Drive, Austin, Texas 78749. Funeral services to begin at 2:00 pm with a live stream available at https://client.tribucast.com/tcid/c26037757654473.
Graveside services will be held at 11:00 am on Monday, March 16, 2026 at Central Texas State Veterans Cemetery, 11463 TX-195, Killeen, TX 76542.
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