Robert Scott Macdonald

Robert Scott Macdonald (Scott), born August 3, 1953, in Morris, Illinois, was the second son of Robert Stephen Macdonald and Natalie Jane Eckland Macdonald. Scott died on Monday, March 9, 2026, at Greenville Memorial Hospital in Greenville, South Carolina - his 20-year battle with Multiple Myeloma ending with a stalemate. Scott would like you to know that cancer did not win.

Scott graduated from the University of Illinois with an undergraduate degree in Zoology and received his medical doctorate degree from the University of Illinois, Chicago Circle. He met the love of his life, Bonnie, at Emory University in Atlanta through a moment of serendipity, and together they built their life in Kingsport, Tennessee, where Scott practiced neurology for 35 years, and where they raised their two daughters, Grace and Heather.

A lover of life and all its curiosities, Scott approached the world with optimism and a constant desire to learn. He shared that curiosity with his daughters through family travels around the world, always thoughtfully planned and meticulously prepared.

An avid puzzler, Scott rarely missed a crossword, trivia challenge, or episode of Jeopardy. After retirement, he became a master Bridge player. He loved nature, travel, reading, and discovering great food wherever he went. A devoted fan of Illinois basketball and college sports, he faithfully followed the games each season.

As a physician, Scott dedicated his life to caring for others. Even while facing illness himself, he never stopped caring for those around him, a reflection of the compassion that defined both his life and his work. To family and friends, he was always the person to call with an unusual medical question or concern, listening carefully and offering thoughtful guidance.

Music was another of Scott's great joys. He loved sitting at the piano, and each Christmas the familiar sounds of his favorite songs filled the home. A perfectionist when it came to the things he loved most, he took quiet pride in playing the music that became part of the rhythm of family life.

Scott is pre-deceased by his parents, Bob and Natalie Macdonald, older brother Douglas Stephen Macdonald, and younger brother John Patrick Macdonald.

Those left to mourn Scott's passing include wife, Bonnie Macdonald, their daughters, Grace Macdonald (Jordan Faeghi) of Sydney, Australia, and Heather Macdonald (Sunhyoung Kim) of Seoul, South Korea; and other beloved family members, countless friends and colleagues who enjoyed his witty humor and unique perspective on the world.

Memorials may be sent to the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences Multiple Myeloma Clinic, The University of Illinois Champaign Urbana Foundation, World Wildlife Fund, First Broad Street United Methodist Church, Kingsport, TN, or the charity of one's choice.

Though he is gone, his curiosity, kindness, and love of the world will live on in the many lives he touched. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.

Friends are encouraged to share their favorite memories of Scott with the family by clicking on either the "Share a Memory" footer or the word "Tributes" in the dropdown menu.