Earl McDonald

Earl McDonald, 80, of Chattanooga and Chicago, Ill., passed away suddenly on July 31, 2015. He was born July 2, 1935, the oldest of four boys in Fayetteville, Tenn., to the late W.H. and Annie Lou McDonald. He held fond memories of his hometown. He moved with his family to Chattanooga at age 5. He attended Chattanooga High School, where he participated in various school activities, especially chorus. He attended college at the University of Chattanooga (UTC) where he was a leader and very active in Circle Francais, Sigma Chi fraternity, the Male Chorus, and Alpha Chi Omega. He began his career at Southern Railway and was transferred to Atlanta, Ga., at age 25. He was active in music there and was a co-founder of the Atlanta Opera Guild. His former home in Stone Mountain, Ga., is now that city's history center. He was Director of Massey Business College before moving to Chicago at age 42. He was very active in the musical and arts community there. He worked as an administrator at Northwestern Medical School and University from which he retired at age 65. All his life, Earl loved music, especially opera, and sang with various choruses in Chattanooga, such as St. Peter and Paul's, and in Chicago, including the CGMC in the Windy City. He would sing when any opportunity presented itself. Earl was a great brother and friend who loved doing for others. He loved giving gifts to family and friends. He will be remembered for his talent, sense of humor and kindness. He was preceded in death by his father, W.H. McDonald; mother, Annie Lou McDonald; and brothers, Charles Terry McDonald and Robert Wayne McDonald. He is survived by his brother, Darrell (Marilyn) McDonald; his sisters-in-law, Faye McDonald and Blondell McDonald; several nieces and nephews; great-nieces and nephews; and his best friend, Randy Gresham. Graveside services will be held 11 a.m. Tuesday, Aug. 4, 2015, at Forest Hills Cemetery with Rev. Don Allison, officiating. A memorial service will be held in Chicago at a later date. Visit www.heritagechattanooga.com to share words of comfort to the family and view the memorial tribute. The family will receive friends 4-8 p.m. Monday at Heritage Funeral Home 7454 East Brainerd Road.