Biography: William Ross McDonald, age 58, went to be with the Lord August 11,2006, after complications suffered from a stroke. He was born February 15, 1948, in Searcy, Arkansas, to Otis and Zelda McDonald. Throughout his youth, he was an active member in the Boy Scouts and attained the rank of Eagle Scout. After graduating from Bald Knob High School, Bill attended Ouachita Baptist University and the University of Central Arkansas. He majored in physical education and health education and lettered in track and field. Bill has taught for 36 years, with the past 31 years at Oak Grove High School. Known as "Coach Mac," he has coached football, track, baseball and golf, but his favorite was basketball. His players loved him for his dedication and the excitement he felt for each team. He had a strong desire for each player to do well both on and off the court. He also worked at Sterling Paint Company where he enjoyed serving and visiting with customers. Bill married Mary Jane Swearingen on August 21, 1971, after meeting at UCA. Together they shared a wonderful life and had two daughters, Beth McDonald Toland and Ann McDonald Polson. Family was always a priority, and he loved them dearly. He would have done anything for his wife and daughters, and they him. When Bill was not coaching or spending time with his family, he loved the outdoors. He enjoyed hunting and fishing, and his yard always looked immaculate. Bill has attended Immanuel Baptist Church for the last 35 years. He had a strong faith in God, and we know he is in Heaven celebrating with Jesus in his new, healed body. We are anxiously awaiting the reunion! He was preceded in death by his parents Otis and Zelda McDonald. He is survived by his wife Mary Jane McDonald, daughters Beth Toland and husband Chad of Little Rock; Ann Polson and husband Preston of Little Rock; grandchildren Matthew, Gracen and Lauren Toland of Little Rock; brother Jim McDonald, wife D'Lisa, and their children Kate and Leigh McDonald of Benton; sister Sarah Poyyak and her daughter Renee Dorian both of Wichita, KS. Visitation for Bill will be 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. Sunday, August 13, 2006, at Ruebel Funeral Home. Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, August 14, 2006, at Immanuel Baptist Church with burial to follow in Oakland Cemetery in Atkins, Ark. The family would like to express grateful appreciation for all of the concern and support received during the 15 days he spent in the hospital. While in the hospital, Bill had 178 different visitors, which is a testimony of how many lives he touched. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Immanuel Baptist Church Recreation Center Ministry.
Im sorry for your lost. He was a very important teacher to me. He was very funny and very helpful to me in my English class. He was a wounderful teacher at Oak Grove we all loved him so much. He was a kind man to all of us. He made peace with god. In loving memories,
A student from High school of 2005 Sophia Schnarr.