Billy J. “Bubba” McDonald, 77, died Sunday, November 16, 2008 at his home after an illness. He was born November 28, 1930 in Silsbee and moved to Beaumont in the 7th grade.
His parents, Lena and Hilry McDonald; sister, Sudie Thornal; brother, Guy Edward McDonald; and in-laws, Elmo and Sally Beard preceded him in death.
Bubba is survived by his loving wife of fifty-six years, Lou Ella Beard McDonald; children, Thomas Reed McDonald and Sharon McDonald Flanagan and her husband Bruce; the light of his life, his grandchild, Jordan Reed Sibley; sister-in-law, Patsy Copeland; brother-in-law, Edward Thornal; several nieces and nephews; and many friends.
Bubba attended Beaumont High School where he was a member of the baseball team. He was very proud of the fact that they went to the state play offs his senior year. His love of sports, especially baseball, led to his coaching career in Little League while his son played. Bubba was also known to carry around a “tu-tu” or two.
In later years he was a great fan of his grandson’s team from age 5 through his senior years in high school. From the first year they played he as been a dedicated fan of the Dallas Cowboys.
Bubba was a graduate of Lamar University and worked for Ameripol-Synpol in Port Neches for over thirty years. He was a United States Navy veteran having served in the Korean War.
A memorial service will be 10:00 a.m. Saturday, November 22, 2008 at Broussard’s, 1605 North Major Drive, Beaumont. Beaumont High School Class of 1948 will serve as honorary pallbearers. A gathering of his family and friends will begin at 9:00 a.m. Saturday prior to the service at the Mortuary.
Cremation arrangements were handled by Broussard’s.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Some Other Place1240 McFaddin, Beaumont, Texas 77701 or to The Foundation for Fighting Blindness, P.O. Box 17279, Baltimore, Maryland 21203-7279.
Bubba will be missed by his family and friends; he was a good man.
