Carl Leon Donaldson

1930 - 2016

DONALDSON, Carl Leon Carl Leon Donaldson Jr. passed away May 26, 2016 after a brief illness. Carl was a lifelong resident and Atlanta native. Like millions of others he was part of what has been accurately described as "America's Greatest Generation". Known for his dry wit and sense of humor, there were very few business or social meetings and family dinners that didn't contain large amounts of laughterincluding breakfast with the "Romeos" (Retired Old Men Eating Out). Carl was best described as a kind and loving mana true southern gentleman. Carl loved his family and friends dearly. He was the devoted father of two daughters and a son but most of all he loved and adored his wife of 64 years, Ellen (Hodges) Donaldson. Carl is survived by his children: Arleen Coker (David), Carol Chaldek and Carl Donaldson III (Jennifer), three grandchildren (Brian Coker, Emily (Coker) Alexander, and Lindsay Chaldek) and four great-grandchildren (Andrew Coker, Ariana Coker, Scarlett Alexander and Skylar Alexander). Other survivors include his sister Barbara Whatley (Bear) and five nieces and nephews (Harry, Tami, Tim, Mark, and Steve) who reside in Texas. Carl graduated from Grady High School in 1948 after attending Tech High where he played baseball as a pitcher and catcher. Carl was drafted by the St. Louis Cardinals a week after he enlisted in the US Navy. Deeply patriotic his entire life, Carl chose to serve during the Korean War to which he received 5 medals for his service. After his honorable discharge, he received his Bachelor's Degree in Electrical Engineering in 1957 from the Georgia Institute of Technology. He worked as a co-op student during his time at Georgia Tech and spent his entire career of 40+ years with Georgia Power. He retired as Vice-President of Power Generation. Carl found joy in gardening and serving others. He was a member of the Lions Club serving as District Governor, a Boy Scout leader, baseball coach, a life-long member of Wieuca Baptist Church where he taught Sunday School, and the Ambassadors Club. Funeral services will be held at 12:00 pm on Tuesday, May 31, 2016 at H.M. Patterson & Son Oglethorpe Hill, 4550 Peachtree Rd, Brookhaven, GA 30319. The family will receive friends at the funeral home two hours prior to the service. Interment will follow at Arlington Memorial Park. The family would like to give a special thank you to the professional and caring staff at Hospice Atlanta, whose compassion during this time was greatly appreciated. In lieu of flowers, the family wishes for donations to a charity of your choice in his memory.