William C McDonald

Billy was born on July 19, 1948, in Miami, Florida, to William "Mac" McDonald and Peggy Spain McDonald. He spent part of his childhood in Rio de Janeiro before moving to Birmingham, where he graduated from Shades Valley High School. He attended Auburn University, where he played on the golf team and earned a degree in Finance.

He began his career in finance with AmSouth Bank and Howard Weil before turning his lifelong passion for golf into his profession. He founded Tour Golf Shops Ltd. and became a respected teaching professional. Known as "Billy Mac," he instructed golfers at all levels, including Michael Jordan and Charles Barkley, though he often said his favorite student was his wife, Nancy. An accomplished player, he recorded 17 holes-in-one during his lifetime.

Billy later served as Chairman of the Board of Henry-Griffitts, Inc., where he became widely known as a "teacher of teachers," helping shape modern golf instruction and custom club fitting. He also served on the boards of the American Junior Golf Association, CNAC Heritage Fund, and the Southern Museum of Flight.

In retirement, he authored The Shadow Tiger, a nationally award-winning book honoring his father's service in World War II. He shared this story across the country, and through his efforts, his father's collection is now housed at the Smithsonian Institution.

He was preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his wife, Nancy McDonald; sister, Cameron Vowell (Scott); children, Maggie McDonald, Lucy Spratlin (Wade), and Will McDonald (Mary); and grandchildren, Elizabeth McDonald, Andy Spratlin, Frances McDonald, and William Spratlin.

The family is grateful for the compassionate care and guidance provided by Chaeli Lawson and the team at Lifecare for Seniors.

Services will be held on Wednesday, April 29, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. with visitation to follow at Mountain Brook Baptist Church. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to United Way of Central Alabama or a charity of your choice.