G. Keith McDonald

George Keith McDonald,64, of Raleigh, NC passed away on Tuesday, Aug. 13, 2024 at Riverside Methodist Hospital, Columbus, OH. He was born in Columbus, OH on Apr. 29, 1960, the son of the late George “Al” McDonald and surviving Lois Geraldine McDonald. Keith graduated from Northridge Highschool in Licking County, OH and Central Ohio Technical College in Knox County, OH. He graduated with his Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering from Ohio University of Athens, OH. Keith was a member of the Phi Delta Theta Fraternity, where he held leadership positions and met his lifelong friends.

He was a loving and hard-working husband, father, son, and brother. Keith leaves behind his beloved wife of 37 years, Jacquelyn (Kittinger) McDonald; two sons George Parker and Jack Spencer McDonald of Raleigh, NC; mother Lois Geraldine McDonald of Columbus, OH; two sisters Leanne (Bob) Bertani of Columbus, OH, and Gay (Tom) Cathers of Clayton, GA; and four nieces, four nephews, and one grandnephew.

Keith asked Jackie to marry him after knowing each other for only six months. They were married a year later May 16, 1987. Keith’s 30-year career in telecommunications began to take off with Comdial Phone Systems in Charlottesville, VA. During this time Keith and Jackie had their first son George Parker. It would be during this time Jackie went back to church and Keith made the decision to give his life to Jesus Christ and never looked back. Shortly after he was offered his next opportunity to grow at a Christian based company Newton Instruments Co. in Raleigh, NC.

Keith found the perfect home in Raleigh, NC in 1993 where he knew his wife and children would prosper through Christ. His family lives in this home to this day. His youngest son Jack Spencer was born two years later after re locating to Raleigh. Keith became involved with church men’s groups, got his sons involved with Christian sports teams, and took all opportunities he could to integrate his family with his congregation. Keith bought a plot of land on Falls Lake in Wake County, NC for him to take his family to enjoy the beauty of life in God’s creation. These were the best days of his life.

He worked hard to grow to the top of his profession. Within a few years he was making deals with multi-billion-dollar companies. He got to travel the world many times and see things he had only dreamed of. After many years of the stress and long hours, Keith decided to scale down and work close to his family. He focused on helping others through missionary work with Bayleaf Baptist Church in Raleigh, NC. He saw he had done his professional work, provided for his family, and needed to focus on his health and the well-being of others through his spiritual work.

Keith could talk to anyone and make anyone laugh. He talked to a CEO and a homeless man in the same manner. He was there when he was needed and took his time to make sure he did the best job he possibly could. He loved to educate himself on the details of multiple subjects and find a way to simplify them as much as possible. He worked hard while taking the time to make a call or take a walk with the people he loved. Through the trials the Lord gave him, Keith never gave up on his faith in Jesus Christ. It is a testament that proves how much of a loving, strong, stubborn, and amazing man Keith truly was and always will be.

The McDonald Family would like to thank The Bickford Senior Living Northwest of Columbus, OH and Faith and Family Hospice of Columbus, OH for their tender care during Keith’s last days with us.

Family will receive friends from 2:00-3:00pm followed by A Celebration of Life Service from 3:00-4:00pm on Sunday, Sept. 22, 2024 at SCHOEDINGER NORTHWEST, 1740 Zollinger Rd. Columbus, OH. There will be a reception following at 1196 Nantucket Ave. Columbus, OH for any family and friends that would like to continue celebrating Keith’s life. “Keep on Zoomin”