William Blaise MacDonald
Nov 19, 1945 – Dec 17, 2014
William Blaise “Bill” MacDonald lost his dignified battle with cancer peacefully on Wednesday, Dec. 17, 2014 at his home. He was self-assured in his deep faith and knew he was going home to be with his Lord.Bill was born in New York City on Nov. 10, 1945 to the late Myles Joseph and Honorah McGrath MacDonald where he spent his childhood. He graduated from George Washington High School and joined the Marine Corps in 1963. He had volunteered for duty in Vietnam, but when the ship stopped in Okinawa, his MOS number was called. The soldier dutifully got off the ship only to find that the wrong number had been called, the ship had left port. The commanding officer told him they were keeping him so that was where he servedhis time overseas.Upon returning to the states, he was stationed at Quantico, Virginia where he met hisfuture wife, Sharon. They would raise their family and Bill would work in the heating and air conditioning industry rnost of his life. He also worked in the home improvement field and finally ranhis beloved antique and collectibles shop where he presided over his weekend discussion group with hismany friends who came to pass the time with him. Bill was loved by many and was a friend to all and had a reputation for making you feel important when he spoke with you by looking you in the eye. He enjoyed a good political debate or historical conversation.IN addition to his parents he was also preceded in death by his daughter, Annette Marie MacDonald and his son, Matthew Todd MacDonald.Survivors include his wife of 44 years, Sharon Anstine MacDonald; his daughter, Stephanie M. Haves(Brian); his son, William Blaise MacDonald II; his daughter, Jocelyn L MacDonald; granddaughterTrinity A. MacDonald; brothers Myles MacDonald (Meg Shatilla), John MacDonald (Marguerite), CharlesMacDonald (Judy); sisters Ellen Hallahan, Margaret Truszkowski (Paul); a host of nieces andNephews; and friends too numerous to mention individually.Bill’s life will be celebrated at 1 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 3, 2015 at Mineral United Methodist Church, A reception will follow.In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Hospice of the Piedmont Education Institute, 675 PeterJefferson Parkway, Suite 300, Charlottesville, VA 22911,
A complete to joy to have called him friend for 48 years!
When I first moved to the Mineral area I found Bill`s store, it started with intermittent stop-in`s on the weekend to see what new treasures he`d found. It soon turned into trips to (Bill`s store) every weekend (usually Sat. & Sun.) to buy, sell, trade and just visit. I met great people during my weekend visits, and made a true friend. I will always treasure my visits and time at (Bill`s store), and I will miss Bill terribly.Sharon- I will be out of town this weekend, visiting the wife`s family, but please know that my thoughts & prayers are with you and your family, and with Bill.Ronnie Chenault
I am very grateful that I have been able to spend the last 7 years with Uncle Bill and Aunt Sharon. They both made me feel like I was one of the family. When I would walk in their home, He would always give me that look of your here again. And I`d say I only came to harass him. Then we would laugh. He was a Wonderful man who Loved his family. He made me feel like I was one of his own these last 7 years. I will miss him so very very much.
Sharon, I wish you much comfort, peace, and many happy memories of Bill to get you through this difficult time. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family, Your DAR friend, Bettye Dickinson
I married Bill`s niece and am happy to have known him. He and I would sit up late discussing politics and current events. I`m going to miss those late night conversations.
Sharon and family, Send prayers of comfort in your lost. May you have many fond and happy memories of Bill. Betty & John Reid
Bill was about as cool as they come. I met Bill at his store.I would visit him every time I came down to visit my in laws, they knew when I went to the store that I wouldn`t be back for hours. I will miss him, he had good advice that has helped me in my business. I told his wife Sharon, that Bill was the Clint Eastwood of Mineral. That`s how I perceived him. He was a nice , cool man that made an impact in my life. Thank you, Bill.. Take care and God Bless. Forever your friend, Todd
Great Guy, Great friend. Will be sorely missed.
Dear Sharon and family, We are so very sorry to hear of Bill`s death and hope that you all get some comfort in the knowledge that he is with God and without pain. I`m sure that he is surrounded by all the saints and angels in heaven welcoming him in peace and love. God Bless, Lana and Kenny Atwell
The first time I met Bill and Sharon was just like meeting old friends that you had known for years and that is the way we have always been, Bill was the easiest person to talk to and my daughter Torrye loved to sit and visit with him. Sharon my family all send their heartfelt sympathy because they all considered him a friend. God now has someone to help tend his lovely garden . We all will miss him even if we had not seen him for a while because Bill was a friend to all. Brenda Watson and Family