W. Wayne McDonald

He was an incredible visionary who lived his life by the motto, “Do it right, but do it right now,” reflecting his determination to succeed in everything he did. He was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, mentor and friend. His dominant but loving personality changed the lives of those he encountered.

Wayne was born in San Antonio, Texas, on September 16, 1938. During his childhood, he played in the inaugural Pony League Baseball Championship game for San Antonio, Texas. His team defeated Brockton, Massachusetts 2-1 with Wayne scoring the first run.

Wayne attended Harlandale High School and, then, The University of Texas at Austin (“UT”) on a full athletic scholarship. He was a physical education major and a member of the UT baseball team. During his college career, he was selected to the All-Southwest Conference Baseball Team from 1958 to 1960. He would later be inducted into the UT Hall of Honor in 1979. It was at UT that he met the love of his life, Mary Louise. They were married in 1961 and remained so until her death in 2020.

After receiving a Bachelor of Science degree in 1960, he signed a professional baseball contract with the Milwaukee Braves organization, traveling around the country during the regular season and living in Florida during the winter for the next four years. Their children, Debbie and Wayne, were born during this time.

After his baseball career ended in 1963, he returned to Austin to work for Lumbermen’s Investment Corporation, later renamed Temple-Inland, Inc. He spent the entirety of his professional career and ultimately became the Chief Financial Officer. During his time at Temple-Inland, he was introduced to his father figure Arthur Temple, who had the greatest impact upon Wayne’s life in more ways than can be recounted.

A vital part of his life was his church family. In 1970, Wayne met Dr. Ralph Smith in a chance meeting at the UT track that can only be understood as God’s guiding hand. He invited Wayne and Mary Louise to Hyde Park Baptist Church (“Hyde Park”) and this moment would forever change both of their lives. In 2007, after years of faithful service at Hyde Park, a small group felt called by God to organize a new church. Wayne was an instrumental figure in the creation and establishment of Austin Baptist Church (“ABC”). He was at the forefront as the Chairman of the Executive Committee that guided the original 80+ worshipers. The current congregation at ABC is nearly 2,000 members. When everyone else was working on the first steps, he was already looking and working multiple steps ahead, as he did in many aspects of his life.

Above all else, Wayne was the embodiment of a servant, following the example set by his Savior, Christ Jesus. His heart was dedicated to the service of others in every capacity he could achieve. In 1973, Mary Louise was diagnosed with cervical cancer, which would in time relegate her to a wheelchair for the rest of her life. Wayne took on the role of her caretaker and protector without hesitation and he cared for her faithfully until her death. He also undertook the role of teacher and mentor to many people in the realms of business, faith, and life. He provided financial support for numerous scholarships to college students, seminary students, mission trips, and medical support.

The family would like to give special thanks to Dr. David Joseph, Mirna Gomez, and Hansel Gomez for their dedicated service to Wayne and Mary Louise over many years.

Wayne was the patriarch and foundation of the entire McDonald family. His unconditional love for each family member can never be denied. He is survived by his daughter Debbie Hughes (John) and his son Wayne E. McDonald (Nancy). He is survived as well by his grandchildren, Kari Helm (Jeff), Casey McMickle (Scott), Wayne Jr., Victoria, and Valerie Todd (Jack), and by his great-grandchildren, David and Elizabeth Helm. He is also survived by his brother Donn McDonald and sister-in-law Ruth Ann Allred. He is also survived by the vast number of lives impacted by the magnanimity of his life.

Following a private burial at Austin Memorial Park, a Memorial Service will be held at Austin Baptist Church, 7016 Ribelin Ranch Dr, Austin, Texas at 1pm on Saturday, January 21, 2023.

Pallbearers: Wayne E. McDonald, John Hughes, Jeff Helm, Scott McMickle, Jack Todd, Connor McGannon, Dr. David Joseph, and Hansel Gomez.