Grover Thomas “Tom” McDonald was born to Grover and Ruby Mae Royer McDonald on Jan. 19, 1944 in Fields and departed this life on Friday, Mar. 26, 2021 at St. Patrick’s Hospital in Lake Charles.
Shortly after his birth the family moved to the maternal homestead owned by his grandparents Asa and Mary Taylor Royer in Longville where he was raised and remained the rest of his life. He loved Longville. Tom married his high school sweetheart, Virginia “Jenny” Clark McDonald on Apr. 10, 1964 and they remained married until his death.
After graduating Ragley High School in 1962, he worked in various oilfield jobs until becoming permanently employed by PPG Industries in the early 1970s where he remained until his retirement. Tom was a hardworking man who lived his life his way.
In addition to his wife, Virginia Clark McDonald, Tom is survived by three children: a son, T. Eric McDonald of Longville; two daughters, Julie McDonald Miller and husband, Patrick of Longville and Selena McDonald Wood and husband, Jason of Lake Charles. He is also survived by four granddaughters; four great-granddaughters and one great-grandson. Tom is also survived by his sister, Peggy McDonald Mitchell and husband, Boyd of Longville; and his brother, Michael A. McDonald and wife, Pam of Longville.
Tom was preceded in death by his parents, Grover and Ruby Mae Royer McDonald; sisters, Clara Nell McDonald Baldwin Sirmons and her husbands, Delray Thurston Baldwin, and Vana Benton Sirmons and Dorothy Larue McDonald Mullins and her husband, Joe.
Tom was a proud member of New Life Pentecostal Church in Ragley and was devastated by the destruction of Hurricane Laura on the Church. He was looking forward to seeing it repaired.
In lieu of flowers, the family has requested donations be made in his honor to the reconstruction funds of New Life Pentecostal Church, Ragley.
A private graveside service was held at 11 a.m. Tuesday, Mar. 30, at Hyatt Cemetery in Fields. Rev. Glen Cooley officiated.
Arrangements were handled by Riley Smith & Sons Funeral Home, 1810 W. Fourth St., DeQuincy.
(Paid Memorial)
