Leland Alfred Mcdonald, Jr.

Leland Alfred McDonald, Jr., lovingly known as Al, Mac, and PawPaw, a beacon of faith and selflessness, passed away on February 5, 2025, in Columbus, Georgia, at the age of 75.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m.(EST) on Saturday, February 15, 2025 at Golden Acres Baptist Church, 3405 S Railroad St, Phenix City, AL 3686. The family will receive friends for visitation following the services at the church according to McMullen Funeral Home and Crematory 3874 Gentian Blvd. Columbus, GA 31907. Interment will be held following the service at Parkhill Cemetery.

He was born on February 19, 1949 and his life was a testament to his loving nature and unwavering commitment to his family, faith, and country. He shared a cherished life with his loving wife of forty years, Marilyn Wasden McDonald, his stepchildren, who he loved as his own children, Jeffrey (Liz) Joiner and Jennifer Joiner McKinstry, grandchildren, Joshua (Allison) Joiner, Daviss McKinstry (fiancée, Leeanna), Autra (Carley) McKinstry, and Paxton McKinstry. His role as their PawPaw was filled with joy, laughter, and countless treasured moments. The blessing of his great-granddaughter, Nicole Joiner, added another layer of love to his family. He leaves behind numerous siblings who he loved dearly. His sister, Becky McDonald (Jimmy) Frasier, sister, Robin McDonald (Kenneth) Johnson, sister, Sharron McDonald (Greg) Lee, sister, Annette Hegwood (Gary) Hall, sister, Andrea Hegwood (Van) Henderson, brother, David McDonald, sister, Debra Bartholomew, and many nieces and nephews remember him fondly. He was preceded in death by his parents, Leland A. McDonald, Sr. and Irma Burge McDonald Hegwood, brothers, Leslie McDonald and Bob Hegwood, sister, Charlotte Hegwood (Johnny) Breedlove, and his uncle and aunt, Glenn and Rea Eddy.

A proud Navy veteran, he served his nation with honor in government communications. He embarked on his academic journey at Gulf Coast Community College before furthering his education with a master’s degree in human resources from Troy State. This foundation paved the way for a distinguished career marked by dedication and leadership. His professional path led him through a series of management positions at Montgomery Ward, Burnham Van Services, Columbus Mills, Southern Textiles, and Pitts Trailers. His work ethic and guidance had a positive impact on those he led and served alongside.

His commitment to his faith was unwavering. He was a devout member of Golden Acres Baptist Church, where he served in the children's ministry with passion and grace. His daily routine included dedicated time in his prayer closet, on their sunporch, or in his man cave, where he spent time with the Lord through his bible and devotional books. His beloved dog, Jax, was always by his side as he spent hours in his studies. A lover of music, his collection of old vinyl records from the 1960s and 1970s was a source of immense joy. He also found pleasure in collecting gnomes, old coins, and other rare collectibles. All of these were meticulously placed in the man cave he created, and he found so much joy and peace in that space. He also enjoyed spending time going on thrift store adventures with his oldest grandson, Josh, and sharing his love of fishing, watching music videos, and learning new things on YouTube with his grandsons Daviss, Autra, and Paxton. These were among some of his favorite pastimes. Those who knew him sought his wisdom regularly, calling upon him for advice or simply to share the events of their lives. His loving, faith-filled, and selfless nature made him a cornerstone of his family and community.

His life will be celebrated in the memories of those he touched, the lives he shaped, and the love he shared. While his physical presence will be greatly missed, the legacy of his kindness and the depth of his faith provide comfort to all who knew him, as we hold onto the promise of being reunited with him one day.