Richard
McDonald, Sr.
Arden - Richard A. McDonald, Sr., 72, of Arden passed away June 28, 2014. He was finally reunited with his wife Barbara McDonald who passed away July 20th 2010. He was also preceded by a brother, Charles McDonald and a sister, Shirley Pate.
Richard worked at Norfolk Southern Railway for 30 years. He was a NCHSAA umpire for 45 years, as well as refereed basketball for 25 years. Participating in sports was his passion.
He is survived by two sons, Richard "Ricky" McDonald, Jr. and his wife, Annette and a grandson, (Brady), arriving in October, and Brian McDonald and his wife, Debra; two granddaughters, Brittany McDonald and Brooke McDonald and her boyfriend, Austin McCart; sisters, Christin Plemmons, Betty Baynard and her husband, Ed, and Mary Ann Payton; one brother, Robert McDonald and his wife, Shelby; many nieces and nephews; a very close friend, Bill Stewart and his beloved dogs, Jackie and Tasha.
A funeral service will be held at 11:00 AM, Wednesday, July 2, 2014 in the chapel of Groce Funeral Home at Lake Julian on Long Shoals Road with Reverend Cecil Robinson officiating. Burial will follow at Avery's Creek Christian Church.
The family will receive friends from 6:00 to 8:00 pm, Tuesday, July 1 at Groce Funeral Home at Lake Julian.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to WNC Fall Ball, P.O. Box 5944, Asheville, NC 28813.
A memorial register is available online at www.grocefuneralhome.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Our sympathies go out to the family of Mr. McDonald. We remember his dedication to the baseball youth of S. Buncombe as he umpired many of our son's games as he grew up. The boys remember his fairness and interaction. He will be missed. Mr. & Mrs. Monty Baker and son Wes.
July 2, 2014
WILLIAM H CARTER
July 2, 2014
Sorry for your loss Brian & Rickey.
Ron Wells
July 1, 2014
We are so sorry for your loss. May God's comfort embrace your family. We will keep you in our prayers.
Bill & Debra Pinner
July 1, 2014
Our family fondly remembers Mr. McDonald serving as referee for South Buncombe Youth basketball. He taught our boys much about the sport. We are sorry for your loss.
The Parker Family
June 30, 2014
Ricky and Brian, I am so sorry to hear of Mr. McDonald's passing. He was such a sweet soul, and such a big part of so many growing up in this area. Your family will be in my prayers.
Dana Reynolds Ingle
June 30, 2014
To Brian and Ricky My thoughts and Prayers go out to You. I did not know your Father well but he was always good to me and very respected. He was a Great man.
Chuck Hoover
June 30, 2014
So sorry for your loss. May the love of family and friends give you much comfort at this difficult time.
Shannon Maxwell
June 30, 2014
Brian, Debra, and family
So sorry to hear of Dad's passing. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
sheri guyton
June 30, 2014
One of the truly nicest men I have ever known. I am so sorry to hear of his passing, but he left a legacy in South Buncombe that will never be forgotten. My thoughts and prayers are with the Brian and Ricky.
Jimmy Payne
June 30, 2014
My thoughts and prayers are with the family.Richard was a good friend and will be greatly missed.
Bill Poore
June 30, 2014
Sorry for the loss of your Dad may God be with the family at these times we will be praying for the family
David & julie Kindley
June 30, 2014
Thinking of you all during this time of loss and praying for God's eternal love to comfort you. Our hearts are saddened by Richard's passing, but so many good memories of him will remain with us always.
Rod and Linda
June 29, 2014
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Funeral services provided by:
Groce Funeral Home - West Asheville1401 Patton Avenue, Asheville, NC 28806
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