Mr. Arthur James McDonald was born on May 22, 1944, in Huntsville, Alabama to the late Mr. Arthur McDonald and Ms. Audrey Hawkins. He transitioned peacefully on December 24, 2023.
Arthur accepted Christ as his Lord and Savior at an early age and continued serving God passionately in life. He was a faithful member at First Missionary Baptist Church, where he served as the Chief Usher for many years. Arthur is a graduate of the Historic William Hooper Council High School class of 1963 in Huntsville, AL. He excelled in sports and academics, and he received an academic scholarship to attend Alabama A&M University from the Huntsville Fraternal Club. Through his profound love of God, perseverance, and hard work, he overcame many obstacles and obtained a Bachelors in Engineering Technology and a Masters of Business Administration (MBA) from Alabama A&M University.
Arthur started his Civil Service career with the Department of the Army at Redstone Arsenal in 1980. During his career, Arthur received countless commendations and awards because of his dedication to the mission of defending the United States. His commitment to his employees was unmatched and he passionately helped and motivated others to seek professional advancement in their career through education and training. In 2004, he retired as the Engineering Division Chief for the former Research, Development and Engineering Center as a GS-15 civil servant.
After retiring from the federal government, Arthur continued with his passion of helping others by becoming an independent consultant as a liaison between his beloved Alabama A&M and Redstone Arsenal. He worked tirelessly and relentlessly to assist students in the Engineering programs to earn Bachelors of Science degrees in several disciplines. As a liaison, he helped engineering students to launch their careers in civil service on Redstone Arsenal. In addition, he worked diligently to help Alabama A&M secure government funding for numerous research projects for the College of Engineering, Technology, and Physical Sciences. Arthur McDonald also served on a team that was instrumental in the university receiving full accreditation for the engineering department. In 2011, he was awarded the Alabama A&M University (Huntsville Progressive) Alumni Association’s Alumnus of the Year Award.
He was a kind soul with an even bigger heart who often donated his time, money, and love in service of others.
He leaves to cherish his memory: Children: Alfie McDonald (deceased), Tamla McDonald, Andre McDonald (Jacqueline), Arthur James Jr., Alonzo McDonald, Adrian McDonald (Chelsea), Ardria McDonald; Five Brothers, Bradley McDonald (Patricia), Freddie McDonald, James McDonald, Jerry McDonald and Larry McDonald (Karen); Five Sisters: Christella Green (deceased), Arthurene McDonald Thompkins (Robert), Mary Ann McDonald (deceased), Loretta McDonald Smith, and Carolyn Ronayne; and a host of grand and great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, family, and friends.
Funeral service will be 11:00 a.m., Saturday, December 30, 2023, at the First Missionary Baptist Church (3509 Spring Road NW, Huntsville, AL 35810). Interment will be in the Valhalla Memory Gardens. Mr. McDonald will lie in repose one hour prior to funeral time.
The McDonald family will receive guests from 5:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., Friday, December 29, 2023, at the Royal Chapel of Memories.
Public viewing will be held from 1:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m., Friday, December 29, 2023, and 8:30 until 10:00 a.m., Saturday, December 30, 2023, at the Royal Funeral Home.
