James William McDonald

William was born July 18, 1944, in Hoke County. William retired from the Hoke County Finance Office in January 2025 after 18 years of service. His career also included time at House of Raeford, Lumbee Farms, Farm Chemicals Inc. and as a volunteer firefighter at Puppy Creek.

William was a member (and deacon) of Raeford Presbyterian Church, a past President of the Raeford Jaycees, Past President of Hoke County Habitat for Humanity, and Boy Scouts leader. William never met a stranger and was a friend to all. William was someone who would do anything for anybody.

He was preceded in death by his father, Paul Clark McDonald, brothers David and Paul McDonald and sister Nancy McMillian.

Survivors include his wife Grace O. McDonald, sons Jim McDonald of Raleigh and David McDonald of Charlotte, brother Steve McDonald of Monona, Wisconsin and grandchildren Daniela, James, Josh, Maris and Chase, and great-grandchild Shay McDonald.

A graveside funeral service will be conducted at 11 a.m., Saturday, August 2, at Raeford Cemetery, with Dr. Jason Clark, Pastor officiating. The family will receive friends immediately following the graveside service.

In lieu of flowers, please consider memorials in memory of William McDonald to Raeford Presbyterian Church, P.O. Box 1570, Raeford, NC 28376.