Donald "Mac" Leslie McNamara

Donald Leslie McNamara, 60, passed away Sunday, April 10, 2011, after battling a lengthy illness. He was the son of Audrey M. McNamara and the late James W. McNamara, Jr. of Newport News. He is also survived by his brother, David C. McNamara and wife, Willi of Columbia, SC; daughters, Jessica Lawson and husband, Ryan of Poquoson and Whitney McNamara of Yorktown; cousin, Juanita Duncan of Newport News; nephews, David J. McNamara and William C. McNamara, both of Columbia, SC; and many, many good friends and relatives.

"Mac" loved music and had been in various bands over the years, having written a number of songs, recorded several CDs and become a fixture in the Hampton Roads music community of which he will be greatly missed. He always loved sports, from his participation in Little League as a child through his avid devotion to the Redskins.

Donald had been called "bigger than life" by those who knew him the longest and the best. He lived life exactly as he wanted and did so to the fullest.

The family will receive friends from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Thursday, April 14, 2011 at Parklawn-Wood Funeral Home. A graveside service will be held at 1 p.m. on Friday, April 15, in Peninsula Memorial Park.

The family wishes to express its sincere and heartfelt appreciation to Ned Walker, Mark Stahmer, and many other close family friends for their friendship and extended support and to the doctors, nurses and aides at Riverside Regional Medical Center for the care and compassion shown to Donald and the family over the last two years.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Easter Seals, 4860 Cox Road, Suite 200, Glen Allen, VA 23060.

Friends are encouraged to visit www.parklawn-woodfh.com to share memories and words of condolence with the family.

Arrangements are under the care of Parklawn-Wood Funeral Home, 2551 N. Armistead Ave., Hampton, VA 23666.