Ronald Macdonald

Ronald (Ron) Macdonald, 82, passed away on Friday, January 10, 2025, after battling several health conditions and challenges.

Ronald was born in Groton, CT, on February 14, 1942, to Kenneth W. and Dorothy (Darrow) Macdonald. He graduated from Waterford High School in 1960, where he was a member of the golf team, basketball team, and track team, holding several records in cross-country. Ron also worked part-time as a caddy at the Shennecossett Golf Course in Groton, CT. After graduation, he joined the Air Force, where he served for four years in the 70th Combat Support Group. Part of his service was in Greece, where he had a weekend job at the local movie theater, earning 25 cents per shift. However, he could eat all the popcorn he wanted while watching the current movies.

While in Oklahoma, he met Clara Jo (Jodie) Tendall from Apache, OK, and they married on November 2, 1963. They had two daughters, Lisa Rae and Kristi Lea, during their 13 years of marriage.

Ronald later married the love of his life, Saundra (Sandy) Jean Billingsly Poe, on February 17, 1977, and welcomed her two children, Chad Scott and Shana Jon Poe, into the family. They were married for 45 years until Sandy passed away on March 30, 2022.

Ronald was a top salesman in the plumbing wholesale industry for over 40 years, working for companies such as US Supply Company, Ferguson, and Hajoca, as well as his own company, Sooner State Supply, which he founded in 1984. Ron had a great passion for bowling, and in 2005, he was appointed Association Manager for the Oklahoma City United States Bowling Congress (OKCUSBC). He quickly transformed the OKCUSBC office into a bowling museum, showcasing the OKCUSBC Hall of Fame members. Ronald was inducted into that very Hall of Fame, as well as the Oklahoma Bowling Hall of Fame, for his meritorious service.

An avid golfer and sports fan, Ron loved watching his favorite teams play football, baseball/softball, and basketball—especially the OKC Thunder. He especially enjoyed attending his grandchildren's events, collecting Norman Rockwell memorabilia (particularly those featured on the Saturday Evening Post), and spending many hours with his vast coin collection, filling numerous collection books.

Ronald is preceded in death by his wife, Saundra Jean Macdonald; parents, Kenneth W. Sr. and Dorothy Macdonald; brother, Kenneth W. Macdonald Jr. and sister-in-law, Kathleen Driscoll Macdonald; sister, Jerri Ann Hart; brother-in-law, Bradley Billingsly; son-in-law, Dale E. Croston; and grandsons, Jeffrey Poe and Duane Gibson.

Ronald is survived by his brother, Robert Macdonald and wife Lylette of Ft. Myers, FL; children, Lisa Macdonald Croston of Stillwater, OK; Kristi Lea Dorsey and husband Tom Dorsey of Pensacola, FL; Chad Scott Poe and wife Dee Gibson Poe of Crescent, OK; and Shana Jon McCarthy of Yukon, OK. Grandchildren include Jessica Poe Allen and husband Pat, Ashley Fitzpatrick and husband Kyle, Amanda Anderson, Jade Anderson and partner Tyler Dockter, Grayson McCarthy, Jared Macdonald Croston, Shane Allen Miller, Aliya Woodward, Savion Poe, and Matthew Poe. Great-grandchildren include Kingston Allen, Paisley Fitzpatrick, and Stella Fitzpatrick, as well as numerous extended family members, nieces, nephews, cousins, chosen family, and friends.

A Celebration of Life and Love will take place on his 83rd birthday, Friday, February 14, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at Yanda and Son Funeral Home, located at 1500 W. Vandament Ave, Yukon, OK.