Thomas Lynn McDonald

Thomas Lynn McDonald, age 76, of Sanford, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, August 22, 2023.

He was born in Lee County to the late Thomas Wilton McDonald and Merlee Asbell McDonald.  Tommy was a graduate of Campbell College where he majored in history.  After graduating, he began his teaching career in Lee County at Greenwood School where his mother was also a teacher and later moved to Cumberland County School System where he taught history and language arts for 33 years.  Tommy was a proud conservative Republican, diehard Carolina fan and history buff – especially the civil war era and researching the McDonald family genealogy for many years.  He was a huge collector and fan of beach music from the Carolinas including his favorite singer, Jackie Gore and big brass sections.  He was also an animal lover who adored his pets.  Tommy loved his family and was loved back and will be greatly missed.

Mr. McDonald is survived by his wife, Teresa Tippett McDonald; daughters, Maryanna McDonald Tew and husband, Christopher of Pink Hill, and Claire McDonald of Sanford; brother, Bill McDonald and wife, Marlene (Lacey and Jackson Knight) of Sanford; sister, Rosemary Parten and husband, Billy of Sanford; grandson, Noah Tew and special nephew, Jason Parten.

The family will receive friends on Saturday, August 26, 2023, from 10:00 AM until 11:00 AM at Emmanuel Congregational Christian Church.  The funeral service will follow at 11:00 AM with Father Craig Lister and Father Matt Garrison officiating.  Burial will follow in Buffalo Cemetery.

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