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Forrest McDonald Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers on Jan. 20, 2016.

TUSCALOOSA – Forrest McDonald, age 89, of Tuscaloosa, died January 19, 2016, at Hospice of West Alabama. All arrangements are being handled privately by Tuscaloosa Memorial Chapel.
Forrest McDonald was born January 7, 1927, in Orange, Texas. The award-winning internationally known historian taught at The University of Alabama from 1976 until he retired in 2002 as Distinguished University Research Professor. He authored twenty books and over one hundred articles.
He is survived by his wife, Ellen; four children; nine grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren.

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Recent Activity

January 27, 2016

Randy Pate posted to the memorial.

January 25, 2016

Eric Summerford posted to the memorial.

January 25, 2016

Rodger Parker posted to the memorial.

12 Entries

Randy Pate

January 27, 2016

So sorry to hear of Professor McDonald's passing. He was one of my favorite professors of all time and helped to stoke my love of history as well as my interest in government and politics, which has become my life's work. Thank you so much for your willingness to challenge long-held assumptions, for your hard work in pursuing the truth, and for sharing your knowledge and passion with students like me. I am a better human being because of you.

Eric Summerford

January 25, 2016

Ellen,

I am so sorry to hear of Dr. McDonald's death. He was one of my favorite professors in undergraduate school, and I certainly counted it a joy to have a "conservative" as one of my first professors, when I wound up with so many liberals, especially after getting into law school! God bless you and the entire family at this difficult time.

Rodger Parker

January 25, 2016

Forrest guided me through my PhD work at Wayne State University in Detroit during the early 70's. He was the best teacher and mentor I ever had. But he was also an amazingly generous and insightful good friend. He and Ellen never failed to provide intellectual,emotional and moral encouragement whenever needed. My life has been considerably enriched because of Forest. I am forever indebted.

Guy R. Swanson

January 24, 2016

Forrest was a remarkable and truly distinguished historian. My condolences to Ellen and the entire family.

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Albert Alioto

January 23, 2016

I have a story about Professor McDonald and Mrs. McDonald which is probably not unique. In 1981 I read his biography of Alexander Hamilton. I wrote to tell him I had enjoyed it and received a very nice reply from Mrs. McDonald in which she enclosed an article her husband had written.

So many people must have had their lives touched to a far greater degree by Professor McDonald, but that was enough for me.

CHRISTOPHER GRAY

January 21, 2016

I met your son Kevin in 1975 where he was friendly with my twin brother Dan. I have read you for 4 decades and was able to meet you at the Library of Congress about a decade ago. Thank you for your provocative scholarship, your humanity, and your patriotism.

Marcy McDonald

January 21, 2016

Dad, you have influenced me and shaped my life in more ways than I could ever say. You taught me how to write, how to think, how to plant a tree so it would grow. You taught me about music, the blues, history, and how to dance to Benny Goodman's "Sing Sing Sing." You taught me to make lemonade out of lemons. You live on in me and Ian, who loved you also so much. Love, your Monkeyshine

Libba Johnson

January 21, 2016

You only knew me as Lenore's Mom, but I was blessed to know you as her adored professor--she always listened to Your advice! Rest in peace, Dr. McDonald!

Fred Bone

January 21, 2016

You will be in my heart and memory all the days of my life. Rest in Peace

January 21, 2016

You were my favorite professor ever. You inspired me and you will be sorely missed.
I have always been moved by your knowledge.
Fred Bone

January 21, 2016

To the family, as you treasure the memories of your loved one be assured that the God of Comfort has Forrest tucked away in his memory as well and, know that with prayer and supplication, he will bring you peace.
-S. Jenkins