Visitation: Friday, August 8, 2025
Visitation Time: 5:00 – 7:00 PM
Visitation Location: Ward Chapel African Methodist Episcopal Church
160 S. Pennsylvania Avenue
Winter Park, Florida
Service Date: Saturday, August 9, 2025
Service Time: 11:00 AM
Service Location: Ward Chapel African Methodist Episcopal Church
160 S. Pennsylvania Avenue
Winter Park, Florida
Obituary:
Reverend Willie McDonald III, 72, of Orlando, transitioned from labor to reward on Thursday, July 24, 2025. Reverend McDonald was born on June 20, 1953 in Winter Park, FL to the late Audrey and Willie McDonald Jr. After completing high school, he continued his education at Bethune-Cookman University. While there, he played the bass drum in the world renowned “Marching Wildcats” Band, and pledged Alpha Phi Omega Fraternity, Inc. He graduated from BCU in the class of 1975. Professionally, he worked for the U.S. Department of Agriculture as a G7 Technician.
Reverend McDonald was a dynamic leader and servant of the African Methodist Episcopal Church. His dedicated and faithful ministry allowed him to serve two churches in the Central Annual Conference including: St. Paul, Stuckey and Mt. Olive, Sanford. The motto Reverend Willie McDonald carried with him, “if I can help somebody as I pass this way, then my living shall not be in vain” became a major tool he used to guide countless souls to the ever- open door of Christ. Gaining the love and respect from many, Reverend McDonald light became a strong, gravitational pillar for every community he served.
In addition to his ministerial duties, Reverend McDonald, affectionately known as “Big Mac”, was a member of the Early Rising Masonic Lodge #16, Winter Park. He enjoyed reading the bible and spending time with his beloved grandchildren. Reverend McDonald was a devoted husband, father, brother, grandfather, Servant leader and friend who will be deeply missed by all who knew him.
Reverend McDonald breathed his last breath and put on his new robe of glory on July 24th. His ministry and legacy will live on in the hearts of his beloved wife, Nancy Jean McDonald; children, Juanita Taylor, Denise Taylor, Nichole (Marcus) McDonald; Clifford Taylor Jr., Jeremy B. McDonald; sister, Courtney Jackson; brothers, Robert (Quida) McDonald, Joseph (Sheree) McDonald; 22 grandchildren; and a host of other relatives, colleagues, former congregations and numerous friends. Earth has no sorrow that heaven cannot heal.
Visitation will be held on Friday, August 8, 2025 from 5-7PM at the church. A service of celebration will be held on Saturday, August 9, 2025, 11:00 AM at Ward Chapel African Methodist Episcopal Church, 160 S. Pennsylvania Avenue, Winter Park with Pastor Arnold Porter, officiating. Interment: Pineywood Cemetery, Winter Park, FL.
10 Comments
Sending my love, compassion, and spiritual prayer to the entire family.
May you rest in peace knowing we will watch over your wife. Love, your other daughter.
Your work is done God has gained another angel. You will be missed uncle Big Mac❤️
My best friend, it won’t be the same without you, Big Mac…. Love you brother, in Jesus name.
My prayers and condolences goes out to you and the family
Da,I can’t stop looking at you… You did such an amazing job, and I’m proud of you. I pray you’re resting in perfect peace! I’m going to make you smile, God is in control. We already miss you too bad!
Our home church was blessed to have you in its ranks. God-fearing and kind-hearted, faithful and loving. Your mom, dad, children and grandchildren have blessed our hearts through you! May God grant peace and comfort to your family, near and afar, as we mourn your passing. Rest well dear friend.
My prayers and condolences for the family. If my earthy house of this tabernacle shall deslove I have another building not made by hand. eternally.
Rest in peace my brother you will be truly missed. I’m so glad for the times we got to spend together bringing the thunder in Heaven. Love you “BIG MAC”
Thankful for the times we were able to spend. Giving the Glory to our Lord a savior who made it all possible. Honoring the memory of a true Friend. “Big Mac”will be Greatly missed.
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