Will Rodgers McDonald

Will Rodgers McDonald

Loved Being Around Family -

Will Rodgers McDonald, age 84, of Mechanicsburg, and formerly of Beacon, NY, passed away peacefully at The Gardens at Camp Hill on Friday, April 10, 2020.  Will was born on Friday, August 16, 1935, in Orangeburg, SC, to the late Merl (Elliot) McDonald and Govia McDonald.  In addition to his parents, Will is preceded in death by his son Kevin McDonald; and his four siblings:  Leroy McDonald, Govie McDonald, Connie Allen, and Barbara McDonald.

Will’s survivors include his loving wife of 38 years, Henrietta “Rena” (Hazel) McDonald; his two children: Craig McDonald of Tuckahoe, NY, Pamela Edwards and husband Robert of Owings Mills, MD; his stepson, David Lee James and wife Tammie of Stroudsburg, PA; his 11 grandchildren; his seven siblings residing in South Carolina: Rodney McDonald of Orangeburg, Jeanette Bailey of Orangeburg, Margaret McDonald of Orangeburg, Florence Rickenbacker of North Charlestown, Audrey Walsh and husband Danny of Columbia, Natalie Irby of Columbia, Doris McDonald of Orangeburg; and several nieces and nephews.

Will served in the U.S. Air Force and belonged to American Legion Anthony T. Fava, Mount Vernon, NY.  He worked for Otis Elevators in Yonkers, NY until he became a microchip technician for IBM, where he retired from in 1997.  Will was a people-watcher and loved to be at home; whether looking out the window or sitting on his porch, he enjoyed watching people as they passed by.  He is remembered for dressing nicely and his witty, dry sense of humor.  Will was a great father who loved to be around his family, and they will miss him very much.

Will’s immediate services will be private while family and friends are encouraged to remain safely at home.  Military honors and burial in Indiantown Gap National Cemetery in Annville, PA will be at the convenience of the family.  All are welcome to join Will’s family at his gathering of family and friends on Saturday, April 10, 2021, from 11:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. with a time of sharing at 1:30 p.m. at Buhrig’s Gathering Place, 25 East Main Street, Mechanicsburg, PA 17055, (717) 766-3421 (next to Buhrig Funeral Home & Crematory); with Joseph Baity officiating.  Over 100 parking spaces are available; just look for the “Buhrig” parking signs in all of the parking lots.

The family sends their most heartfelt thanks to all of the aides at The Gardens at Camp Hill who so lovingly cared for Will during his time there.

Will’s family has entrusted his care to Buhrig Funeral Home & Crematory in Mechanicsburg, (717) 766-3421.  Read Will’s full obituary, view his memorial video and portrait, offer condolences and sympathy, share stories and memories, upload photographs and videos, light a candle and sign Will’s official guest book by visiting Buhrig.com.