Obituary of William Wray McDonald

William (Bill) Wray McDonald Sr. died peacefully at his home in Stockton surrounded by family on Thursday, March 25, 2021. Bill has been reunited with his beloved wife of 54 years, Virginia Elaine Morrow McDonald. He was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather. Bill was born June 30, 1934 in Muncie, Indiana, the son of John Ralph McDonald and Esta Leone Kendall McDonald, where he attended Royerton High School and lived for 33 years before settling in California. He spent many years as a property manager and building maintenance specialist. He was a licensed contractor and master carpenter who could build anything. He took great pleasure in woodworking and bestowing his creations to his family members. Doll cradles and toy boxes were well loved gifts treasured by his grandchildren. Bill was an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed camping and fishing with his dear wife. It could be said that they discovered the key to a long and happy marriage is shared adventures. Cross country road trips, summers in a cabin by the lake, or houseboat living are just some of the ways that Bill and Ginger cultivated a rich and interesting life together. After retiring from Harbor Freight Tools, Bill focused on another of his passions, gardening. He loved the land and his gardens brought him tremendous joy. Left to cherish his memory are his children, Sheryl (Howard) Carlyle, Terri (Colin) Roberts, William McDonald Jr., Rebecca Nunn, and Tony (Phylee) McDonald, his sisters Mary King and Judy Peterson, his brother, Richard (Jo) McDonald, 18 grandchildren, 35 great-grandchildren, and 4 great-great-grandchildren. Bill was preceded in death by his son, Steve McDonald, his sisters Bonnie, Wanda, Ruth, and Della, and his brother, Jon. Private services will be held due to Covid restrictions. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that a donation be made in Bill's name to Hospice of San Joaquin (https://www.hospicesj.org/contribute/tribute-gifts).