Robert Wallace McDonald Jr.

He leaves his wife of 62 years, Angela Rayburn McDonald, his sons Robert W. McDonald III and Jon S. McDonald and his wife Robin, his daughter, Mary Elese McDonald, Grandsons R.W. McDonald IV and his wife Alex, Zack McDonald and fiancé Kylie, a granddaughter Emily Ann McDonald and two Great-grandchildren , Robert W. McDonald V (Mac) and Logan McDonald. He was preceded in death by his only sister, Ann McDonald Berryhill of Pontotoc and her husband, Farrell.

Bob was born in Pontotoc , MS on April 4, 1934 to Robert W. McDonald and Mary Salmon McDonald. After graduating from Pontotoc High School, he attended Mississippi State University, graduating in 1956. He was active in his fraternity, Sigma Alpha Epsilon. He was a devoted bulldog fan and attended many baseball and football games throughout his life. He was at times, cowbell crazy!

After graduating from MS State, Bob was commissioned into the United States Air Force. As a young, recently trained 2nd LT., Bob had the privilege of serving on President Dwight Eisenhower’s flight crew on a mission to Turkey. He was loved and respected by his peers and mentored many people over his long career. He had a distinguished 30 year career advancing to the rank of Colonel when he retired. He later was honored to serve as President of the Texas Reserve Officers Association.

Raised in the First Presbyterian church of Pontotoc, MS, Bob was a lifelong Christian and devoted his life to Jesus Christ. Anytime the family moved to a new assignment, first priority was to find housing for his family, and next was to find a new church home. Over the years he made many friends within his church families and was very proud to have held many positions in the various congregations, including Treasurer of the Presbyterian Church of San Marcos for 16 years. He loved his hymns and sang beautifully and with gusto

A meticulous planner, Bob took his family on many vacations. We have many cherished memories of five of us in the car barreling down one highway or another. Later in his retired life, Bob and Angela traveled extensively all over the world. They also enjoyed their trips with the Mississippi Seniors golf association.

As the head of a large and loving family, he was admired, loved and respected by his wife, children and grandchildren – a legacy we know he is most proud of. Family, faith and community were the tenets Bob lived his life for. No one has done it better. He will be missed.

In lieu of flowers please consider donating to The Texas Paralyzed Veterans of America (texaspva.org), Presbyterian Children’s Homes and Services (pchas.org), Mississippi State University Foundation (msufoundation.com) or Martindale United Methodist Church (martindaleumc.org).

A graveside service will be held at 10:30 AM on Thursday, September 27, 2018 at the Pontotoc City Cemetery with Rev. Wil Howie officiating. Browning Funeral Home is in charge of the local arrangements.