Aaron Bradford McDonald was born on July 7, 1942, to Bruce and Marcell McDonald. He passed from this world to his heavenly home on July 23, 2026. He married “the love of his life,” since he was 16 years old – Virginia Lee Burney, on July 8, 1961. This happy event took place, while on a two-week leave, after finishing the Army National Guard basic training in Ft. Jackson, SC. Aaron served as part of Company A – Training Regiment 5B5 for eight years in the Guards and Army Reserves. Two sons were added to the family, Tracy Aaron McDonald (1962) and Lonnie Dee McDonald (1965). As his life continued, Aaron worked at Reynolds Metal Company for eleven and a half years until he felt called to attend and complete college at International Bible College (IBC). There he trained to preach the gospel and toward a second career in ministry. He received “free” tuition from IBC as a result of singing in the IBC quartet and finished a normally 4 year degree in 2 & ½ years, feeling a strong need to provide for his two young sons and wife. His ministry covered many years with roles including singing, working with youth, and those older, and preaching. Additionally, he was recognized as an after-dinner speaker, often as an impersonator of Jerry Clower and as a licensed auctioneer. In his later years, he also drove a school bus for about 14 years before retiring. He loved woodworking and especially making things for friends and families. Over the years he made chicken stew & BBQ for hundreds, frequently for church & community groups and often as fund raisers. Though his home was always in Alabama, he lived in Pennsylvania, Mississippi, Texas & Tennessee compiling many friends and building good memories in each place. God has always been in control of his life and knew when to call him home. He is survived by his wife Virginia, two brothers – Ronnie McDonald (Cathy) and Troy McDonald (Brenda-deceased); Sons: Tracy McDonald (Debbie) & Lonnie McDonald (Laura) Grandchildren: Brittany Hall (Randy), Brooke Furry (Alex), Bryar McDonald (Tessa), Ridge McDonald, Ashley Christopherson (Seth), Hannah McDonald, Noah McDonald (Emily), and Justice McDonald; Great grandchildren (descending by age): Jackson Hall, Lincoln Hall, Emery Bradshaw, Easton Bradshaw, Mia Furry, Finley McDonald, Evan Bradshaw, Canyon McDonald, Mallory Furry, Eleanor McDonald, & Ettalie McDonald. Thanks go out to so many friends, family and church family members over the years who have supported and encouraged Aaron. Without this help, prompted by God, life would have been more difficult. He would want to encourage everyone to be prepared for a life after their death. He believed and taught that this preparation took place through reading the Bible and listening to what God says to his children; obeying the words and example of Jesus Christ; and living as one bound for heaven. The family wishes to express our deepest appreciation, especially over the past six months, to the greater Greenhill community and others outside it, who have shown genuine caring, covered us in prayer, acted as care givers when needed, and just shown up with support so many times. May God bless each of you richly! Visitation will be on Sunday, August 2, 2026, from 12:30am – 2:30 p.m., at North Carolina Church of Christ, in Killen, AL. The memorial service will follow at 2:30 p.m., at the church. Burial & graveside will follow at North Carolina Cemetery. In Lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be sent to either of: • North Alabama Christian Home P.O. Box 2652 Florence, AL 35630 (a local children’s home Aaron supported) • North Carolina Cemetery C/O Garrett Perry 3500 County Rd 36 Killen, AL 35645 Make checks payable to “North Carolina Cemetery”.
