Elmer Ray McDonald, 81, of Greenwood, Arkansas passed away Sunday, May 31, 2026 in his home. He was born November 4, 1944 in Charleston, Arkansas to Hoy Elmer and Minnie Lee (Tilley) McDonald. Elmer grew up in Greenwood and graduated from Greenwood High School. He was a member of the Greenwood First United Methodist Church.
Elmer owned McDonald Construction Company and fostered many friendships through this business. He especially enjoyed welding and fabricating devices to get the job done. He was also a cattle farmer and in his later years a sheep farmer. As a young man, he enjoyed bull riding and racing. He particularly enjoyed racing his corvette and his dragster. Squirrel hunting and fishing were favorite pastimes as was watching old westerns. He was always an avid gardener, but this was true in a big way as he got older. He was proud of his produce and enjoyed sharing it with friends and neighbors.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by one brother, Wayne McDonald.
He is survived by two sons, Kevin McDonald and wife, Robin and Clint McDonald and wife, Debbie; one sister, Lequita Joyce; four grandchildren, Jessica Williams, Matt McDonald, Alex McDonald and David McDonald; three great grandchildren, Carter McDonald, Maverick McDonald and Clark Williams and many nieces and nephews.
Funeral service will be 10 a.m., Tuesday, June 9 at McConnell Funeral Home Chapel in Greenwood with burial at Liberty Cemetery. Viewing will be Monday from 5 – 7 p.m. at the funeral home.
Pallbearers will be David Lunsford, Joe Carter, Armando Briseno, Matt McDonald, Alex McDonald, David McDonald.