223100 Thomas Frederick "T" McDonald

1930 - 2023

223100 Thomas Frederick "T" McDonald obituary, 1930-2023

223100 Thomas Frederick "T" McDonald

1930 - 2023

Thomas McDonald Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers from Jan. 8 to Jan. 14, 2024.
Be Happy! Words to live by and immortalized by the late Thomas Frederick McDonald, who passed away at his home in Newnan, Georgia on December 30, 2023, surrounded by family. He was 93.

Born in Atlanta on December 17, 1930, Tommy spent his youth in Hapeville, Georgia raised by his parents, the late William and Maude McDonald. While they instilled a strong work ethic and financial practicality, his long commitment to higher education came from another source. Tom credited his decision to attend college to his high school teacher, Melvina Wells.

Most old friends from Hapeville High remember Tom as an athlete, passionate about football and basketball. His family attended the Hapeville Presbyterian Church, where he met his future wife, Barbara. Although their history goes back to grade school, they started dating while attending the University of Georgia. Their courtship mostly revolved around free activities, such as little league baseball games and long walks. On these outings, they had time to learn about each other and invest in a friendship that would prove to be a solid foundation for their 69 years of marriage.

Tom served in the United States Air Force from 1953 to 1956 and married Barbara in 1954. The military sent them on newlywed adventures, initially to New Mexico, followed by a year in Japan. They returned to their home state in 1957, and Tom began his career as a professor at Georgia State University. They had their first three children, all boys, before embarking on another journey. This time, they packed up and moved to Lansing, Michigan, where Tom earned his PhD from Michigan State.

Returning to Georgia, they settled in Jonesboro and welcomed two daughters into the family. Tom worked as an educational administrator and held numerous leadership positions in the University System of Georgia. From 1980 to 1992, he served as the Vice Chancellor for Student Services.

In retirement, Tom remained so busy that he sometimes wondered aloud how he had found the time to work. He was a true do-it-yourselfer, often with results only an amateur could obtain. For big jobs, he wouldn't hesitate to call on his children, grandchildren, extended family and friends; those times birthed some of the family's most cherished memories. He was physically active with tennis dates and golf outings. He sought out the cheapest courses, and although he delighted in a low score, he was equally thrilled to find lost balls and judged his day on the quantity of his haul.

He loved people, but he passionately loved children and delighted in making them smile.

Intellectually curious, he believed education had a transformative effect, and he encouraged everyone to broaden themselves through learning. He pushed people to find the upper limit of their own potential.

Tom shared his smile, wit, and wisdom. If teasing is a way to show love, he loved everyone. He had an ability to make people feel seen and heard, and was always ready to lend a hand. In the days after his passing, one friend said, "He's the greatest man I've ever known." Another said, "He had idol-status in our family." His sister called him her hero.

T, as he was affectionately named by his grandchildren, is survived by his wife, Barbara, his five children and their families: son Richard "Mac" and daughter-in-law Barbara, their three children Alex (Bridgette), Brian (Brittany), Casey Beall (Sam) and their seven grandchildren; son Andy and daughter-in-law Lisa, their two children Mark (Courtney) and Christie Camposecco (Robert) and their four grandchildren; son Gary "Stork" and daughter-in-law Susan, their two children Jackson and Kaylee; daughter Anya Reid and son-in-law Patrick and their son Daniel; daughter Cameron Szok and son-in-law Peter and their daughter Virginia. He is also survived by his brother Billy McDonald (Betty) of Pikeville, TN and his sister Anne Youmans of Big Canoe, GA.

As a final nod to education, Thomas F McDonald donated his body to Emory School of Medicine for research and teaching purposes. His family will celebrate his life on Saturday, March 23, 4 pm, at the Newnan Historical Train Depot (60 E Broad Street, Newnan, GA). All are welcome.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests friends consider donations to Coweta Samaritan Clinic (PO Box 963, Newnan, GA 30264) or Bridging the Gap Community Outreach (PO Box 223, Newnan, GA 30264).

McDonald, Thomas Frederick "T"

Sign Thomas McDonald's Guest Book

Not sure what to say?

March 22, 2024

The Evans Family planted trees.

January 12, 2024

Steve Stevens posted to the memorial.

January 8, 2024

Legacy Remembers posted an obituary.

2 Entries

Single Memorial Tree

The Evans Family

Planted Trees

Steve Stevens

January 12, 2024

I fondly remember the Wedding of my daughter Susan to Stork... at the McDonald home so many years ago. T and Barbara were so very gracious and provided such a complete setting, with the lake, the tennis court, the BBQ ... and all of the great McDonald family. Thanks for the memories!

Showing 1 - 2 of 2 results

Make a Donation
in Thomas McDonald's name

How to support Thomas's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor Thomas McDonald's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more

Sign Thomas McDonald's Guest Book

Not sure what to say?

March 22, 2024

The Evans Family planted trees.

January 12, 2024

Steve Stevens posted to the memorial.

January 8, 2024

Legacy Remembers posted an obituary.