Joel Hayden McDonald

On Saturday, May 24, 2025, Joel Hayden McDonald, 80, of Rockwell, North Carolina and formerly of Wilkesboro, North Carolina passed away at Atrium Health Cabarrus in Concord, North Carolina.

He was born May 7, 1945, in Mooresville, NC to Bee Hayden McDonald and Neely Berniece Holthouser McDonald. He was a proud member of the graduating class of 1963 at Mooresville Senior High School. After meeting and marrying “his girl Tuesdays and Thursdays”, Carolyn, Joel served in the U.S. Navy and was stationed at Camp Zama in Kamiseya, Japan. While living on the economy in Japan, Joel became a father to his pride and joy, Maria. After returning to the states, Joel continued his education at Appalachian State Teachers College earning his BS in Education in 1972.

Joel began his career with Wilkes County Schools as a coach and teacher. He later went on to join Lowe's Companies where he served in a variety of roles in the Lumber Division. After retiring from Lowe's, Joel opened Professional Forest Products in Statesville, North Carolina. After retiring from PFP, he worked with his daughter and son in law at The Carolina Plum in Gold Hill, North Carolina. Throughout his career, he led by example and taught others the skills he had honed.

Joel was an active member of the Y's Mens Club at the Wilkes YMCA. He enjoyed all things sports related and proudly supported Appalachian State Football. Before his health declined, Joel enjoyed ‘elbows for lunch” basketball games and golfing with many friends and family. He was known for his beautiful bass voice singing at countless weddings, funerals, and church services as well as a tour with Lowe's Companies' “Country Stud Band”.

“Papa” was one of the proudest titles Joel ever had. He rarely missed an event or occasion to cheer on Mack and Alex through academics, sports, musical endeavors, and life in general. His strong work ethic, great story telling ability, and bold zest for life will carry on through them.

Joel was a dedicated member of First Baptist Church North Wilkesboro. He was a cherished member of the Chancel Choir where he shared his gift of song worshipping with many solos and small group ensembles. Joel served as a Sunday School teacher, Youth Leader, and Deacon at various times throughout his life. He loved his church family and always spoke fondly of the ministry there.

In addition to his parents, Joel was preceded in death by “mom” Ruby Hinson McDonald; brother: C. Larry McDonald; sister: Jeanette McDonald Stradley; brothers in law: Ralph Almond, Alvin Drye Sr., Harold Drye, Jimmy Fortune, Ben Goodman, and Bobby Safrit; sisters in law: Marjorie Almond, Vetra Culp, Louise Drye, Eleanor Efird, and Hilda Steele.

Left to cherish Joel's memory are his wife, Carolyn Marie Drye McDonald, whom he married May 7, 1967 ; daughter: Maria McDonald Freeman and husband Andy of Gold Hill, North Carolina; grandsons: Mack Freeman of Gold Hill, North Carolina and Alex Freeman and wife Stephanie of Mount Pleasant, North Carolina; great grandchildren: Lexi, Brantley, Chris, and a sweet new addition due in December; sisters in law: Lois Fortune, Norma Goodman, Mary Lou Wickersheim McDonald, and Faye Safrit; brothers in law: John Culp and Thurmond Efird; many nieces and nephews; cherished friends: Frank and Sandy Day and family and Stan Whittington and Betsy Whittington; and countless folks he considered family of the heart.

The family asks that you honor Joel's bigger than life personality by hugging a little tighter, laughing a little longer, singing a little louder and being forever grateful for the life we all were blessed to share with him.

A service to celebrate the life of Joel McDonald will be held Sunday, June 8 at 2:00 pm at First Baptist Church at 6th and D Street, North Wilkesboro, North Carolina.

A graveside service will be held at The National Cemetery in Salisbury, North Carolina on Tuesday, June 10 at 11:00 am.

Memorials may be made to The Music Ministry of First Baptist Church of North Wilkesboro, NC.

Carolina Cremation of Salisbury is honored to serve the McDonald family. Online condolences may be made at www.carolinacremation.com