Walter Ellis McDonald, Jr.

On July 28, 2020,  Walter Ellis McDonald Jr, Age 54, Of Gloucester City. AKA “Big Slam” passed peacefully in his sleep, in the loving care of his family after a long and valiant battle with multiple health issues.

Walt is survived by his spouse of 19 years; Michelle Ferry McDonald, his children; Walter Ellis McDonald III, Brittany Lynn Helms, Brighton Lacy Helms, his siblings; David Kauffman, Dale McDonald, Debbie Walker (nee McDonald), his adopted granddaughter Lana MacAdams, his Aunt Joyce and Uncle Ed Kunitz, Uncle John Jefferson and many nephews, nieces, cousins and friends-all of whom he loved dearly.

He was predeceased by his parents, Walter Ellis McDonald Sr., Helen Kathleen McDonald (nee Dilts) and his brother Joseph Kauffman. 

Walt was passionate about his love for wrestling. He loved to work a crowd and enjoyed his years as an Independent Wrestler, wrestling under the names, Crybaby Waldo and Big Slam Vader (Big Slam). He turned that passion into business as he owned and operated The Temple of Slam Wrestling School, promoted shows through Slam Championship Wrestling and turned his nearly 40 year experience as a pizza maker into the very successful Main Event Pizza Shop. Please click and watch a full biography on Walt's wrestling career:

As a homeschool dad, he showed up at everything his kids were ever involved in. He was his wife’s right hand when it came to supporting her efforts and never failed to support his son in every club, group and activity he was a part of. 

Walt was all about family, and whenever he could go support any of his nieces, nephews or close friends, he would show up with a smile on his face-even on days that he was clearly fighting through the pain. 

With a strong faith, Walt knew Jesus as his Lord and Savior. He trusted him with his life and would often say, “God will work it all out” as he exercised that faith in trying times.  He served in Sunday School at GCCC and enjoyed participating in whatever he could at his home church Pitman Church of the Nazarene.  

Walt was a protector, a leader and a man of honor. He loved his family fiercely and would do anything for those he loved.  He was known for his contagious smile and his gentle spirit. He will be sorely missed by all who knew and loved him.

Relatives and friends are kindly invited to Walt’s visitation on Friday, August 7, 2020 from 6 pm to 8 pm at the Pitman Church of the Nazarene: 227 North Broadway, Pitman, NJ 08071. Memorial Service 8 pm will be for family only due to the restrictions currently on inside gatherings. Service will be live-streamed at  https://www.facebook.com/RememberingBigSlam/

Please wear face mask inside the church and social distancing will be followed. Cremation private at the request of the family.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations are requested. As Walt was passionate about helping his community, donations can be made in Walt’s honor to The Fairy Godmother’s Boutique: 716 Jersey Avenue, Gloucester City, NJ 08030.  

His wife’s charity organization, of which he was actively involved with and was very proud of.

Condolences and Memories may be shared at www.mccannhealey.com under the obituary of Walter Ellis McDonald, Jr. Funeral Arrangements and Inquiries may be made through: McCann-Healey Funeral Home: Gloucester City, NJ 08030. Ph: 856-456-1142