Born on March 28, 1938, in Little Rock, William Andrew Donaldson was a gentle giant. Though
not known for frequent smiles, he was admired for his kind heart. Bill was willing to lend a
helping hand to any and all. Not a prideful man but a content one, Bill was a family man and a
man of simple pleasures. There was not much more he loved than serving the Lord and being
surrounded by loved ones.
Bill graduated from Catholic High School for Boys in 1956 where he enjoyed playing football
and basketball. He attended Hendrix College for a year and then graduated from the University
of Arkansas at Little Rock.
Bill served his country in the Army National Guard. Whether it was in the service, at work, or at
home, he was the "go to" guy on whom you could always depend. He wore many hats. From
supervisor at work, to provider of the house, the family accountant, banker, insurance agent, and
master chef, there wasn't much he couldn't do.
Bill was known for being steady and reliable. A man of few words and never one to seek the
spotlight, most do not know of Bill the epic camper, the incredible athlete, who could beat
anyone in a swim race, ski down a black diamond (even when he shouldn't have), perform every
yo-yo trick in the book, high dive, water ski, and even sing.
Bill married the love and light of his life, Virginia "Sue," in 1971. They combined their families,
he with his first daughter Lara, and Sue with her son Jeff. Though it was not always easy, they
started creating a happy life. They later welcomed their daughters Jennifer and Virginia. Bill was
the best girl dad, painting their nails and painting his own to match. He raised Jeff as his own,
both keeping him out of and getting him into trouble. Bill and Sue were married 53 years, and if
you would have asked him, forever would not have been long enough.
Bill became a Papa, arguably his most popular role, in 1987. He spent the next 25 years
welcoming 11 more grandchildren. You could not find a more supportive grandfather. He was a
true Papa Bear. He spent countless hours traveling to soccer games, football games, basketball
games, wrestling tournaments, and gymnastics meets. You name it, he was there. Whether he
was there in person or live streaming events from Montana, he was cheering on the grandkids.
Bill and Sue started attending Calvary Missionary Baptist Church in 1993. Bill was saved and
baptized in 2018, becoming an official member of the church. He served the Lord and his church
faithfully throughout the remainder of his life.
Bill passed away on August 16, 2024, in the comfort of his home, surrounded by his family.
Bill is preceded in death by his parents, Fenton and Mary Donaldson. He leaves behind his wife,
Virginia "Sue," daughters Lara, Jennifer (husband Hap Jr.), Virginia (husband John), son Jeff,
grandsons Jordan (wife Charli), Hap III, Noah, Caleb, Carter, Caiden, Tanner, granddaughters
Ellison, Carson, Claire, Olivia, Riley, brother John (wife Eileen), sisters Gail (late husband
Frank) and Susie, his in-laws, nieces, and nephews, as well as many friends and church family.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials to Calvary Missionary Baptist Church in
Sheridan, Arkansas.
Funeral service will be held at 11:00 A.M. Tuesday August 20, 2024, at Calvary Missionary
Baptist Church in Sheridan with Bro. Terry Williams officiating. Visitation will be from 10:00
A.M. until service time. Graveside service will be Tuesday at 3:00 P.M. at Union Cemetery in
Rye, AR.
Pallbearers are Jordan Roman, Hap Cheff III, Noah Cheff, Caleb Cheff, Carter Castrejon, and
Caiden Castrejon. Honorary pallbearers are Jeff Kimbrell, Hap Cheff Jr, John Gatlin, Joseph
Gates, Robert Ashcraft, John Donaldson, and the men of Calvary Missionary Baptist Church.