Benjamin McDonald

Benjamin Franklin McDonald went to meet his Heavenly Father on Thursday, June 21, 2012.He was born March 26, 1925 to the late Rev. John W. and Ella McDonald. He attended Chattanooga Public Schools.He retired from the United States Army as a staff sergeant after 23 years of service. He was also retired from the TVA after many years of service. He was a member of Orchard Knob Missionary Baptist Church where he regularly attended Sunday school, participated in Brotherhood ministry, and sung with the OKMBC Male Chorus. He was an avid supporter of his churchs building ministry.In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his sisters, Lillian, Frances, Geraldine; and a son, McClendon McDonald.He leaves to cherish his memories his wife, Naomi W., of Chattanooga; son, Larry (Debra) McDonald; daughter, Linda (Modu) Jasseh, of Modesto, Calif.; daughter-in-law, Marian McDonald, of Nashville; grandchildren, Eric McDonald, of Charlotte, N.C.; Renee Palmer, Megan and Laura McDonald; great-grandchildren, Thomas Palmer, Jonah Drake, Stanley Draper Jr., Deandre Johnson and Alana Pitts; great-great-grandchildren, Trinady Palmer, Taleeha Palmer, Taviana Palmer and Elijah Palmer, all of Modesto, Calif.; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends.In lieu of flowers, donations should be made to Orchard Knob Missionary Baptist Church Family Life Center, 1734 E. Third St., Chattanooga, TN 37404 in his name.Homegoing services will be held at 2 p.m. on Sunday, July 1, 2012 at Orchard Knob Missionary Baptist Church with the Rev. Harold K. Lester officiating.Interment in National Cemetery at 10 a.m. Monday, July 2, 2012.The body will lie in state after noon today with the family receiving friends from 6-7 p.m. at John P. Franklin Funeral Home, 1101 Dodds Ave., 622-9995.