Wilson McDonald

Wilson Ray McDonald was born on September 25, 1935 in Luverne, Alabama to Woodrow McDonald Sr. and Zera Mahone; both preceded him in death.

Wilson moved to Cincinnati, Ohio in 1950.  At an early age, he began his work career as an over the road (OTR) truck driver.  Wilson had a great passion for truck driving, traveling, and was notorious for being our personal navigation system.  He knew the roads across our country very well.  Wilson was also a car enthusiast and self made mechanic.  If we ever needed help buying or fixing a car he was our go to person.  Wilson enjoyed spending time with family and friends.  He loved watching sports. His favorite sport was baseball and the Cincinnati Reds were his favorite team. 

Wilson enlisted in the United States Army in 1958.  He was proud to serve our country and received an honorable discharge after two years of service. In 1966, Wilson joined the Transit Authority of Northern Kentucky (TANK) where he held several positions moving from driver, to instructor then to field supervisor.  Wilson retired from TANK in 1989 after 32 years of excellent service.  Later, he pursued his dream of having his own business and became the co-owner and operator of McDonald-Jenkins Enterprises Inc., a trucking company.  Wilson believed in hard work and having good character in which he passed on to his children and grandchildren. 

On June 24, 1972 a wonderful event took place in Wilson’s life.  He married the late Ola Mae McDonald (nee Gordon). They were married for 34 years, until Ola’s passing.  Together they touched many lives by sharing love, wisdom, support and the importance of family.

Another important legacy Wilson leaves is his commitment to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.  In 1975, Wilson united with Israel Baptist Missionary Church in Forest Park under the leadership of the late Dr. Nathaniel Young.  Wilson was an active and hardworking member of IBMC, particularly in his service to the Deacon and Trustee boards as well as his assistance in and around the church.  He loved IBMC. Wilson also loved his community which inspired him to become a member and serve in the Prince Hall Lodges of Cincinnati, Ohio and Covington, Kentucky. 

Wilson departed this life in peace with our Lord on Sunday, February 9, 2020 after an extended illness.

He leaves to cherish his memory: 10 children, Juanita Brundige of Carson, California, Tony Jackson of Cincinnati Ohio, Patrica McDonald of Atlanta, Georgia, Ernest Jackson (Peggy) of Dubuque Iowa, Roderick Jackson of Atlanta, Georgia, Nisey Hearn (Kelvin) of Columbus, Georgia, Valerie Gordon of Cincinnati, Ohio, Donald Gordon (Yolanda) of Hebron, Kentucky, Iris Hill (Alfred) of Cincinnati, Ohio and Marsha McDonald-Wheeler (Michael) of Cincinnati, Ohio; 26 grandchildren and 30 great grandchildren; Three sisters, Mildred Loveless of Cincinnati, Ohio, Katherleen Pritchett of Cincinnati and Dorothy Hall of Montgomery, Alabama; One brother, Woodrow McDonald (Eunice) of Cincinnati, Ohio; (One sister preceded him in death, Claudia Wilder); Two brothers in law, Henry Gordon of Cincinnati, Ohio and Lesley Wilder of Cincinnati, Ohio; One sister-in-law, Leola Wilson of Cincinnati, Ohio; (Nine brothers-in-law and one sister-in-law preceded him in death); one special son, Levon Fon Horton of Cincinnati, Ohio; close friends, Mr. LeRoy, Mr. Jenkins and Brother Dykes and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Wilson McDonald, please visit our floral store.