MADISON - Billy McDonald passed away at Agrace Hospice on Wednesday, Aug. 11, 2020. He was born in Madison, Wis., on April 2, 1932, and lived here all of his life. He was born to Anna Mae Mitchell and James Cornell McDonald, with Ernest Mitchell becoming a second father to him.

Billy graduated from Central High School in 1950, attended the University of Wisconsin-Madison and remained a loyal Central Alumnus and an avid Badger fan all of his life. He worked for the UW Agriculture School from April 1959 to April 1994. His love for Badger sports lead him to work for the UW Athletic Department for 10 years as a score keeper for both Men's and Women's Basketball and Women's Volleyball. In 1974, he started working at Finish Line for high school and UW track. In his retirement, he became a volunteer in research at the State Historical Library and his favorite hangouts were George Fabian's Park St. Shoe Shop and he became a fixture at Barnes and Noble bookstores. Motorcycle riding and junk shopping were two of his favorite hobbies.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and brother, Kwame McDonald. Survivors include siblings, Jack Mitchell (Pat), Carolyn Hargrove, Betty Banks, and Emma Earl of Madison, Ralph Mitchell (LaMonica) of North Carolina, Arlene Grice (Michael) of Michigan and Evette Mitchell of Arizona; nieces, Sheila Greene, Shari Darkeeyah Mitchell, Carla Philips, Georgia, Dana Roc (August), Shauna Mitchell, New York, Denise Hicks (Anthony), Deirdre Krieghoff (Eric), Madison; nephews, Alan Banks of Madison, Mitchell McDonald of Minnesota, Darel Hargrove of Tennessee, Devin Hargrove of Florida, Jay Mitchell of Michigan, Max Marion and Marcus Marion (Starr) of Texas, Ernest Mitchell (Lauren) and Mason Mitchell (Holly) of North Carolina; and a host of great-nieces and nephews. A small graveside service will be conducted in the coming weeks at Forest Hill Cemetery. Please share your memories at www.cressfuneralservice.com.

Cress Funeral and Cremation Service

3610 Speedway Road

Madison, WI

608-238-3434

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Published by Madison.com on Aug. 23, 2020.

Memories and Condolences
for William McDonald

Sponsored by Cress Funeral & Cremation Service - Madison West.

10 Entries

Suzanne Verhelst

September 4, 2020

Billy McDonald was one of the nicest people I have ever met. My husband, John and I worked with him at many track meets over the years. Sometimes after that we would see him at West Towne at lunch time. I miss his grat hugs and smile. John died last June and now he and Billy can discuss athletics for hours on end. The world was blessed with his presence.

Pete Waite

August 24, 2020

I always enjoyed seeing Billy at Badger volleyball games. He was always upbeat and positive, I really appreciated his support of the program. RIP, Billy.

John Gehn

August 24, 2020

I am indeed sorry to hear of Billys passing.
I have enjoyed knowing him for the past 30 years his passion for U W sports entered in to most of our conversations.
I have not seen him at the mall these past few months and wondered about his health. I have lost a good friend and hope to meet him again when my time comes..

Mary Mather

August 23, 2020

The Madison High Schools and UW lost a GREAT fan.Always at every cross Country meet cheering the runners,kept in touch with athletes as well their families May you rest in peace, Billie

Deborah Brown

August 23, 2020

We always had our little chat where ever we run into each or when I can to visit Betty and Allen. He was always so kind.

Judy Walker

August 23, 2020

Billy was such a special motorcycle rider with the Tuesday Night Riders!

Fred Milverstedt

August 23, 2020

Good man, one of the best. RIP Billy.

Emmett and JoAnn Connery

August 23, 2020

We are two of many who consider knowing "Mac" an honor. He always asked how we were doing and how was the family... never centering the conversation on himself. He will be missed by all who knew him. The Madison community says goodbye to one of the best!

The "Tuesday Night Riding & Chowder Society"

August 23, 2020

For many years, Billy was a part of this (mostly senior) motorcycle group, who for many years have both ridden their motorcycles (as long as they were able), and enjoyed Tuesday night dinner together. Ride on Billy! We will all miss you.

Bill & Marcia Holman

The Staff of Cress Funeral & Cremation Service

August 23, 2020

Offering our deepest condolences during this difficult time.

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