Gary “Mac” Lynn McDonald, 70, of the Shady Grove community, passed away on Sunday, November 8, 2026, at Baptist Memorial Hospital in Oxford, Mississippi. He will be remembered for his loving heart, the memories he made with those closest to him, and the special joy he found in being “Pop-Pop.”
Mac married Kay Russell on April 17, 1981, and together they built a life centered on family. He graduated from North Pontotoc Attendance Center in 1976. During much of his childhood, he worked alongside his family at the farm. Mac was an avid Ole Miss fan and a heartbroken Miami Dolphins fan, faithfully cheering on his teams through the victories and the disappointments.
Among his favorite memories were the carefree days spent running his beagles with his childhood best friend, Randy “Heavy” Swords. Those simple times and lasting friendships held a special place in his heart.
Above all else, Mac treasured time with his six granddaughters. To Leighton, Brooklyn, Karen, Ellie Ann, Isla, and Aspen, he was their beloved Pop-Pop. The love he had for his girls was immeasurable, and the memories they shared will remain a precious part of his legacy.
Mac leaves behind his wife, Kay McDonald; his sons, Russ McDonald (Tifany) and Drew McDonald (Marissa); his brothers, Lanny McDonald (Pam) and Danny Rex McDonald; and his six cherished granddaughters, Leighton, Brooklyn, Karen, Ellie Ann, Isla, and Aspen.
He was preceded in death by his father, Eurie McDonald; his mother, Ida Lurene Todd McDonald; his father’s second wife, Lavenia Andrews McDonald; his sister, Mona Kay Russell; his brother-in-law, Billy Russell; and his sister-in-law, Linda Gail McDonald.
Visitation will be held Thursday, November 12, 2026, from 5:00 until 8:00 p.m. at Tutor Memorial Funeral Home in Pontotoc.
Details regarding a celebration of Mac’s life will be announced on the Tutor Memorial Funeral Home website and Facebook page when available.
