Douglas Edwin McDonald

If you ever had an opportunity to taste Doug McDonald’s pralines or banana pudding, then you know he had some serious culinary skills. Doug had many notable accomplishments and talents, but those pralines and banana pudding just cannot be overstated.
Among his accomplishments, he was a trombone player, a self-taught violinist, a fixer of anything mechanical, a character actor for church Christmas plays, a serious motorcyclist and a devout Christian.
Compassionate, reliable, loyal and easy-going, Doug was a stalwart of the Bugtussle community. He was recently described as having a heart the size of Tennessee. Always ready with a helping hand, a listening ear or a ready laugh, he gave them generously and often. He loved his community and never wavered to help when it was needed. Doug contributed hours of labor to the construction of New Liberty Baptist Church and was as proud as any poppa when the church was completed. He became a church member on September 5, 2004.
He also contributed countless hours to sitting on his derriere riding his motorcycle on cross-country trips with cousins and sitting in the recliner with his wife.
Douglas Edwin McDonald was born to Blain and Hazel McDonald on December 2, 1948. After a short bout with cancer, he passed from this life surrounded by his family at home on April 13, 2023. He was 74.
Doug attended Red Boiling Springs school. He joined the United States Army at age 18, serving in Stuttgart, Germany and achieving the rank of Sargeant. Returning home following his military service, he was employed with Columbia Gulf Transmission Pipeline until his retirement after 28 years.
On July 23, 1994, he married Willodean “Deanie” Watkins who survives him. Doug was a beloved husband, father, brother, friend and neighbor. He was father to daughters Robin Tucker of Jacksonville, Florida and Ronica Conyer of Scottsville, Kentucky, son Geremy Watkins of Adolphus, Kentucky, and grandson Cody Watkins of Bowling Green, Kentucky. He leaves his sisters Ina McDonald of Houston, Texas and Malinda Hersh (Joe) of Nashville, Tennessee; nephews Andrew Cassetty (Kay) of Nashville, Tennessee and Nickolas Donegan (Aiko) of Tokyo, Japan; and niece Miranda Rau (Rocky) of Cypress, Texas. He was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Faye McDonald of New Orleans, Louisiana; brother, Louis McDonald of the Bugtussle community.
Let us give a final salute to this soldier who has been called for a special assignment. One that comes with a sign-on bonus of a reunion with family and friends not seen in years. We hope they have pralines waiting for him and they live up to his expectations.
Celebrate Doug’s life as he did – by offering an unexpected act of kindness to someone in need. Donations can be made in his honor to the American Cancer Society or to Crescent Hill Cemetery in Scottsville, Kentucky.

Visitation will be held at the Bartley & Sons Gamaliel Chapel in Gamaliel, Kentucky, Saturday April 15,  from 12:00 until 8:00 p.m. and Sunday, April 16 from 12:00 until 8:00pm.