William (Bill) Hewitt Donaldson, Sr.

William (Bill) Hewitt Donaldson, Sr., age 91, of Gatesville, passed away Wednesday, July 18, 2018.  Funeral services will be held at 1:00 p.m., Saturday, July 21, 2018 at Scott’s Funeral Home.  Private family burial will be held at Restland Cemetery.  Visitation will be from 10:00 – 11:00 a.m., Saturday, July 21, 2018 at the funeral home.William Hewitt (Bill) Donaldson was born in The Grove, Texas on February 2, 1927 to the late Marshall Lucky and Esther Ellison Donaldson.  He was the third of eleven children.  He enlisted in the U. S. Navy in 1945 near the end of World War II, then went on to receive his Bachelor’s Degree in History and Government from the University of Houston in 1950.  He married the love of his life Jo Ann Eason on July 5, 1957. As a young man, Bill pursued several businesses, but most of his career was in the field of education as an upper school teacher, County School Superintendent, and a teacher at the prison.  Bill was led to the Lord by his seventh grade students and believed he was washed in the blood of Jesus.  In his retired years, he enjoyed driving for the Stanley Car Dealership in Gatesville.  Bill was a doting father and grandfather and enjoyed being at as many plays, games, and activities as he could.  His family was everything to him!  Bill was known for his quick wit, and his sense of humor was one of a kind.  He could make a timely witty remark in any situation and believed that even in the toughest situations, humor was beneficial.  The family is quite certain Bill was placed on telemarketers “no call” lists!  He loved playing 42 with his family, and he worked the cross word puzzle every single day — and left no empty letters!  He was an avid supporter of The University of Texas Longhorns and was more often than not seen wearing one of his many Longhorn ball caps.He was preceded in death by his wife of 48 years, Jo Ann Donaldson; and one brother.Bill is survived by his children, Carla Donaldson of Waco, Kari Donaldson Dingler and husband, Marc of Midland, William H. “Billy” Donaldson, Jr. and wife, Rosalind of Pflugerville, and Candi Donaldson Stryker and husband, Andrew of Waco; six grandchildren, Marcus Dingler, Ally Stryker Armstrong and husband, Jonny of Dallas, Rachel Dingler Horn and husband, Chris of Ft. Worth, Jordan Donaldson of Pflugerville, Jonathan Dingler of Midland, and Nathaniel Stryker of Waco; and many brothers, sisters, nieces, and nephews.