Ray William Donaldson passed away on November 6 after a brief illness. He was 91. Mr. Donaldson was born on February 6, 1926 in Haleyville, Alabama, the son of John and Delia Donaldson. After serving in the Navy, he graduated from Auburn University with a degree in electrical engineering. He worked with Mississippi Power and Alabama Power before joining NASA, working on both the Saturn 5 and space shuttle programs.
He met his wife of 68 years, Alene Roberts Donaldson, when both were children in Haleyville. He was active in his churches throughout his life, serving as a deacon and Sunday school teacher for many years. He also served as a volunteer for Habitat for Humanity. He loved to spend time with his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren and traveling with friends. He was predeceased by his youngest daughter, Jan Parler.
Survivors include wife, Alene Donaldson; son, Randal William Donaldson (Suzie) of Atlanta; daughter, Patsy Ann Evans (John) of Atlanta; eight grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; son-in-law, Rick Parler of Charlotte, NC; sister, Jean Watts of Opelika; and many nieces and nephews.
Visitation will be from 12:30 to 2:00 p.m. Thursday, November 9, at Laughlin Service Funeral Home. The funeral service will follow at 2:00 p.m. Burial will be in Maple Hill Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to The Mosaic Fund at First Baptist Church of Huntsville.
