Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
FUNERAL HOME
Michael McDonald Obituary
October 2, 1972 - October 22, 2021
Michael Shannon McDonald, born October 2, 1972, in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, passed away peacefully on October 22, 2021, at Forsyth Medical Center, surrounded by his wife, parents, and close friend. He attended West Forsyth High School, graduating in 1990. In 1996, "Mac" found his true calling as an officer with the Winston-Salem Police Department, where he rose through the ranks, eventually serving in his current position as Sergeant over the DWI Task Force, Special Operations Division. Mac loved the Police Department, receiving numerous commendations and awards. The Task Force was twice recognized as the DWI Task Force of the Year in North Carolina, and Mac as the DWI Task Force County Coordinator of the Year, through the Governor's Highway Safety Program. Mac also received the WSPD Above and Beyond Award, the Officer of the Month Award, the U.S. Department of Justice Law Enforcement Certification, the North Carolina Criminal Justice Education and Training Standards Commission Certification, and numerous other commendations. Mac was a true professional at his job, honest, ethical, understanding, an expert listener, and always courteous, even in the midst of an arrest. He was a shining example of what service as a police officer means. But most of all, Mac loved spending time with his family, attending his son Logan's baseball games, riding his Harley with his wife Cheryl, working around the house and talking with his father, Ronnie, who always had his back, and helping his mother, Carolyn. Mac is survived by his wife, Cheryl Andrews McDonald, his son, Logan Alexander McDonald, his parents Ronnie Lee McDonald and Carolyn Seats McDonald, his aunts, uncles, and cousins, and his many friends and fellow officers, many affectionately known as his "brothers." The family will hold a visitation from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. on Tuesday, October 26, 2021, at Salem Funeral Home, 2951 Reynolda Road, Winston-Salem, and a service at the same location on Wednesday, October 27, at 11:00 a.m., to be followed by a private graveside burial. In memory of Mac, the family asks for support of the Winston-Salem Police Department, and for the men and women who serve there. Online condolences may be made through www.salemfh.com
Salem Funeral & Cremation Service
2951 Reynolda Rd., Winston-Salem, NC,27106
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Michael McDonald
Sponsored by Salem Funerals & Cremations - Reynolda Rd..
Cynthia Jumper Donley
October 27, 2021
Ronnie and Carolyn,
I am so sorry to hear about the passing of your son. My thoughts and prayers are with you both. Cherish those special memories he gave you specifically! My heart breaks for you and his family. He is honored for the giving of himself to better our city. You have reason to be very proud.
Prayerfully,
Cynthia
Heather Coleman
October 26, 2021
My heart hurts! Heaven is so lucky to have such a genuine man! He was the kindest person. He always gave me hope that as landlords we could help and make a difference...will miss him!
Gaye Speaks Mize
October 26, 2021
I did not know Mr. McDonald.....but I always take every opportunity possible to THANK our law enforcement officers. I can only imagine all they have had to go through this past year or so. It is unbelievable. I know I am not along in remaining deeply appreciative for all they do every day as they put their lives on the line for us! I hope and pray the day returns when more stand up to support and appreciate them!! Obviously Mr. McDonald was a wonderful and brave young man and I know the family and friends are proud of him!! May God grant you peace as you walk through this valley of having to give him up for the present time. May he rest in peace!!! Thankful he served in our city!!!!!
Tony and Robin Cameron
October 24, 2021
May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief. We will miss him. Praying for you all.
Miguel Ocampo Aranda
October 24, 2021
Mac was a great person. He was my parents neighbor for most of my childhood. My parents would later purchase their current home from Mac and his wife Cheryl. Years back my parents were in the process of getting their permanent residency. The process required letters from individuals in our community that expressed their opinions of us. My mother went to Mac to ask he would like to write a letter for us to help us show that we were good people that wanted to live here. He agreed, and he went and got the then chief of police of the Winston-Salem police department to write us a letter as well. I don't know if that made much of a difference in the final outcome of our immigration status, but i like to believe that Mike's efforts for us allowed my family to start a life here. I am now a 3rd year student at UNC Charlotte, my major is Civil Enngineering; and I am hopeful of pursuing my Masters in a few more semesters. I genuinely believe that I would not have had the opportunity to go to college and pursue my dreams if it hadn't been for Mike. Cheryl and Logan, I can't express to you in words alone how much I feel I owe Mike for all he has done for me. Maybe it didn't seem like much to him at the time, but It meant the world to my family and I.
Gary Isenhour
October 24, 2021
I know from personal experience that he was a good person, an excellent officer who believed in the importance of what he was doing and that he cared deeply about protecting people. Forsyth County Magistrate
Jeff,Debbie, Gabrielle and Brody Kiger
October 24, 2021
Dear Cheryl and Family,
Our hearts are broken, and our prayers for you, Logan, Carolyn and Ronnie are immeasurable. May God´s loving embrace be with you all during this difficult time and years to come.
Showing 1 - 10 of 10 results
Make a Donation
in Michael McDonald's name
Memorial Events
for Michael McDonald
Oct
26
Visitation
4:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Salem Funerals & Cremations - Reynolda Rd.2951 Reynolda Rd., Winston-Salem, NC 27106
Oct
27
Service
11:00 a.m.
Salem Funerals & Cremations - Reynolda Rd.2951 Reynolda Rd., Winston-Salem, NC 27106
Funeral services provided by:
Salem Funerals & Cremations - Reynolda Rd.2951 Reynolda Rd., Winston-Salem, NC 27106
How to support Michael'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
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 moreResources 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
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 moreWays to honor Michael 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
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
