Raymond McDonald

Raymond “Ray” McDonald, 88, passed away peacefully at home on November 27, 2025, Thanksgiving Day. Born on October 13, 1937, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Ray carried with him a guiding belief: “Things are to be used, and people are to be loved. Never mix the two."

In 1958, he married Catharine (Cathy) Kier, and together they shared a long, meaningful life until her passing in 2023.

Once their children were grown, Ray’s work as a field service engineer took him and Cathy to Germany, where they lived for three years. After returning to the United States, they settled in Huntsville, Alabama, where they built a comfortable life surrounded by wonderful neighbors who became an extension of their family. Ray loved golf, cherished his dogs, and held his family and his faith close to his heart.

Ray is survived by his sister, Marian Brown; his children Ray McDonald, Jr. (“Eddie”), Diane Seals, Tim McDonald (Regina), and Lynda Self (Jeff); his grandchildren Connie Rupert (Rick), Angel Spence (Gene), Bryan McDonald, Baylee Smallwood (Josh), Abby Rodriguez (Brian), Andrew Seals, Elizabeth Self, and Bradie Self; and eight great-grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you honor Ray’s memory by donating to your favorite charity or doing something kind for the person behind you in a drive-thru—an act of quiet generosity he would appreciate.

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