William Joseph McDonald

William (Bill) Joseph McDonald passed away suddenly on July 16, 2017 at the age of 70. Born on June 26, 1947 in Knoxville. Bill died doing what he loved most- fishing with his grandson on the French Broad River. The oldest of four boys from a proud Irish Catholic family, Bill was preceded in death by his parents, J.D. and Clara Francis McDonald, and brother, Daniel Shea McDonald. A life-long resident of Knoxville, Bill graduated from Knoxville Catholic High School and studied at Saint Bernard College, in Cullman, Alabama & the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. Bill spent 20 dedicated years working at Rohm & Haas before becoming a highly respected Realtor with Wood Realtors. He faithfully served many customers and clients for almost 3 decades. A devout Catholic, Bill attended mass every Sunday at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church where he was baptized and married. He loved his life on the river so much that he will be buried in his fishing gear. But, above all, he treasured his family and especially his wife of 49 years, Barbara Elder McDonald. He is also survived by two beloved daughters and son-in-law, Reece Francis McDonald Foster, and husband, Jeff Foster, and Caroline Leigh McDonald; He adored being "Granddaddy" to Avery, Jacob and William. Bill used to say: "My legacy is my daughters and their families, and nothing else I have done compares." Additional survivors include much-loved brothers, Patrick O'Connor McDonald and Joseph, and wife, Penny McDonald, and niece and nephews, Katy (and husband Ben), James and Micah. To his family and his beloved dog, Moses, Bill was a "big ole, cuddly, teddy bear." The family will be receiving friends on Wednesday, July 19, 2017 from 5:00 pm until 7:00 pm, at Berry Funeral Home, 3704 Chapman Highway. Funeral Mass will take place on Thursday, July 20, 2017, at 10:00 am at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, 414 W Vine Ave., Interment will follow at Woodlawn Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Larry Rauen, Warren Longmire, Doug Campbell, Patrick Jaynes, Fred Renault, Jeff Foster, James McDonald, and Micah McDonald. Honorary pallbearers will be Michael Wood, Toby Hyke, Jim Wright Jr., and David W. Matthews. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Ladies of Charity, 120 West Baxter Ave, Knoxville, TN 37917.