Billy Hayden McDonald, Sr.

Billy H. McDonald, Sr., 87, of Hallsville, Texas, passed away on April 5, 2023.
Visitation will be at Welch Funeral Home on Monday, April 10, 2023. A graveside service will be held at 10AM on Tuesday, April 11, 2023 at Memory Park Cemetery in Longview. The service will be led by his nephew, Jimmy Barker.
Billy was born to George Hayden McDonald and Willie Dee Bailey McDonald on October 10, 1935. He went to school in Longview, Texas, graduating in 1953. He was drafted by the Saint Louis Cardinals to play baseball. He worked for the railroad, McDonald Welding Shop, before going to work at the "Kodak factory" Eastman Kodak in 1959. He worked at Eastman until his retirement in 1991 after 32 years of service. Billy enjoyed playing baseball, coaching little league, and was an avid hunter. He enjoyed playing with kids of all ages, no matter who's they were whether it be on the floor, out in the yard, or in the ballpark. But most of all, he loved his family.
Billy is preceded in death by his parents, sister Sally McDonald Barker Dyer, and brother George Robert "Bobby" McDonald, and great-great grandchild, Waylon Jack Morris.
He is survived by his brother Michael McDonald, his sons, Bill McDonald, Jr. (Lisa), Tim McDonald (Terry), and daughter, Beth McDonald Godsey (Mike), and his grandchildren: Wendi McDonald Russell Barker, Holli McDonald Ellison, Ashley Tatarchuk, Austin Tatarchuk, Katy McDonald Myers, Jacqueline McDonald Graham, Brandon Hearnsberger, Lindsey Godsey Brown, and Weston Godsey; along with 16 great grandchildren and one great grandson due July, 2023; and 5 great, great grandchildren; and his extended family: Karen Moore Long (Jeff), Charlie Moore (Shellie), Kristen Long Culver, and Kelly Long.
Memorials may be given to East Texas Alzheimer's Alliance, 3122 Nealy Way, Ste 203, Longview, Texas, 75605.
A special thanks to wonderful caregivers over the last three years: Amanda Self, Kim Mullins, and Hospice of East Texas for their great care, hugs, & kisses that will never be forgotten.