William (Bill) Roy McDonald, 83, passed away Friday, July 28, 2023, in Lake Charles.  He was born August 16, 1939, in Canton, Miss., to Willie Lee and Kathryn Elizabeth (Batte) McDonald.  Bill’s family moved to Lake Charles when he was seven years old, and he and his four younger siblings have stayed close and raised families here.  He graduated from Lake Charles High School in 1957 and then McNeese State University.  Bill was a natural athlete, playing football and running hurdles in track. 

Bill met the love of his life, Carolyn Gaye Giovanni, in 11th grade, and they were happily married for 64 years.  They had three children.  Bill and Gaye were very dedicated Catholics. Bill’s hobbies included golfing, fishing, hunting, and in recent years he was a voracious reader of fiction, flying through several novels a week.  Bill was always looking out for the happiness of his family members, and treasured many lifelong good friends.  For the past 23 years, Bill has looked forward to meeting his brothers and sisters for their weekly lunch tradition. His kindness, humor and loving supportiveness will be missed by many. 

Bill was preceded in death by his first son, Charles Michael (Chuck) McDonald.  He leaves behind his beloved wife Gaye; brothers John McDonald and Jim McDonald; sisters Joan Bloomfield and Cathy Terrio; daughter Suzanne McDonald Sallee and son in law Darrell Sallee, of Lebanon, Ohio; son William Judson (Jud) McDonald and daughter in law Eve McDonald, of Denver, Colorado; five grandchildren (Danielle Avendano, Marshall, and Lauren Sallee of Ohio; Miles and Owen McDonald of Denver); and two great-grandchildren (Ava and Xavier Avendano). 

Visitation will be held between noon and 2 p.m. immediately followed by the funeral service on Tuesday, August 1st at J.E. Hixson Funeral Home, 3001 Ryan Street. A brief graveside service will be conducted at the Consolata Cemetery. Memorials may be made to MD Anderson Children’s Cancer Hospital.  

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.JEHixson.com for the McDonald family.