William "Bill" Battle McDonald Sr.

ROCKY MOUNT – William “Bill” Battle McDonald, Sr., age 83, passed away on Friday, February 13, 2026.  Born in Richmond, VA on March 29, 1942, he was the son of the late George Wimberly McDonald and Evelyn Celestia Gooch McDonald.  He was also preceded in death by his wife, Patricia Ann Marks McDonald.

Bill was good-looking and couldn’t help it, a lighthearted line that fit him perfectly and reflected his warm sense of humor and flirtatious charm. Known as a devoted husband and a friend to many, Bill lived a life marked by faith, service, and deep community ties. He was proud of his involvement with Eagle Scout Troop 7, Robert Beaman’s Sunday School Class, and his church family at Englewood Baptist, and faithfully served in ministry through the Vestry of Christ Episcopal Church. Professionally, he dedicated more than 40 years as a railroad electrician with CSX before retiring, and he contributed further as a member of the CSX Credit Union Board of Directors. Bill also faithfully served his country as a Staff Sergeant in the U.S. Army National Guard. Bill found great joy in life’s meaningful moments, especially taking his beloved wife, Pat, on 63 cherished cruises and spending treasured time at their home in Salter Path, their home away from home along the coast. Resourceful and always ready to help, he could fix just about anything and had a way of leaving every room a little lighter. True to his playful spirit, Bill would still remind you that he was undeniably, irrefutability, indisputably, unmistakenly, indubitably good-looking and that’s a fact.

Bill is survived by his son, Will McDonald (Taragh) of Eureka, CA; his daughter, Ann Creech (Bryan) of Rocky Mount, NC; his grandchildren, Jonah Creech (Wyvern), Jordan Creech (Lauren), and Faith Ann Rancour (Noah); his nephew, Richard Brent Marks; his faithful fur-baby Beaux; and special friends, Debbie Carawan, Steve Lane, and Jewel Strickland.

A Funeral Service to celebrate Bill’s Life will be held on Wednesday, February 18, 2026, at 2:00 PM at Englewood Baptist Church, 1350 S. Winstead Avenue, Rocky Mount, NC  27804 with Pastor Charles Taylor officiating.  Burial will follow the service at Pineview Cemetery.  A visitation will be from 12:30 PM to 1:30 PM prior to the service in the Sanctuary of Englewood Baptist Church.

The family also expresses sincere gratitude to the staff of Fresenius Dialysis Clinic in Tarboro, and to his devoted friend and caregiver, Shannon Jackson, for the compassionate care and kindness shown to Bill.

Flowers are welcome or memorials may be made in Bill’s memory to Englewood Baptist Church, 1350 S. Winstead Avenue, Rocky Mount, NC  27804.

Arrangements entrusted to Wheeler & Woodlief Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 1130 N. Winstead Avenue, Rocky Mount, NC 27804.  You may share memories and condolences with the family by visiting www.wheelerwoodlief.com.