William Phillip "Mac" MacDonald

Longtime Valley Resident William Phillip ‘Mac’ MacDonald, 68, went home to the Lord on August 20, 2023, at Mat-Su Regional Hospital. William was born in Dyersburg, Tenn., on Veterans Day 1954 to Richard MacDonald and Peggy Daniels.

He joined the Army in 1974, and while stationed at Ft. Wainwright, Fairbanks, AK., where he earned his GED.

In October 1975, AFB Elmendorf, Ft. Richardson, and Ft. Wainwright assembled a Bi-centennial pageant and toured Southeast AK, where William was chosen to carry the Tennessee state flag. While participating in the tour, he met Donna Hughes on the ferry between Ketchikan and Juneau, AK. After finishing the tour, he was transferred to Ft. Richardson. William and Donna married in March 1996 at 1st Baptist Church Birchwood, AK.

In Jan., their daughter was born, and in May of that same year, they moved to Ft. Knox, Kentucky. During his time in the Army, he was stationed in Ft. Benning, GA., Ft. Gordon, Augusta, GA., and most notably, McKee Barracks, Crailsheim, Germany, 1980 - 1982. In 1983, he and his family returned to Ft. Richardson, then moved to Palmer in 1984. William Was Honorably Discharged in 1985, and their son was born that same year. Seven years later, they had another son. William was a longtime member of 1st. Baptist Church Palmer. There, and to everyone he met, he was known as ‘Mac.’

Mac had many jobs after the Army, but the Army was his love. He was very proud to serve his country. Two of his other favorite jobs were working for Legacy Funeral Homes in Palmer and driving for Meals on Wheels at the Palmer Senior Center.

He loved reptiles greatly, leading him to work with Brad’s World of Reptiles at the Alaska State Fair for many years. He loved to help others understand them. Some other things he enjoyed were woodworking and model building.

He leaves behind his wife of 47 years, daughter Mary (Bill) Freyling of Wasilla, Son Alan MacDonald of Ketchikan, grandsons Mason and Dylan Freyling of Wasilla, Maverick MacDonald, brother Kevin MacDonald of Arkansas, sister Pam MacDonald Davis of Arkansas, Sister Gail Harper of Massachusetts and many nieces and nephews.

Mac was preceded in death by his son Cameron MacDonald, his parents, and sister Kathy Romska.

A memorial service will be held on 8-30-2023 at 6:00 P.M. at 1st Baptist Church Palmer 1150 E. Helen Dr. Palmer, Ak.