Condolences to Tommys family and friends. Services provided by Smith Funeral Home of Broadway. Expand the Memories and Condolences form. PHILADELPHIA Tommy McDonald, who came from small-town New Mexico to Albuquerque and eventually became the smallest player to reach the Pro Football Hall of Fame, has died at age 84. Janet Marie McDONALD (Keoughan) Halifax. Thomas V. Noonan Jr. of Bourne died on February 21. While working at J. Walter Thompson, Tom met the love of his life, Carol (Grady). Nobody, and I mean NOBODY will ever match his heart and effort. I wanted Tommy to sign it along with a Cowboys hat. Tommy McDonald, the flamboyant, record-setting Hall of Fame receiver who starred on the Eagles 1960 NFL Championship team, died Monday, the Pro Football Hall of Fame announced. "He just beats him.". He worked for Hassell Free Plumbing as a plumber, for over 27 years. Mr. McDonald was retired from Gulf Oil Corporation and was a member of Berean Baptist Church in Ellwood, Georgia. Mr. McDonald still had something in the tank and with the Rams in 1965 had a career-best 67 catches. That was painful for me to say. He was predeceased by his Mother, Jacqueline Stoddart McDonald; sister, Heather Kline. While in Henryetta he worked as a Physicians Assistant, was a member of the Henryetta Chamber of Commerce, the Church of Christ, and he served on the school board. We would go over all the moves: outs, corners, posts, hooks, pitchouts, centers, crosses, everything, McDonald said in a 1964 article for Sports Illustrated, written with Tex Maule. Tommy McDonald died Monday at the age of 84, the Pro Football Hall of Fame announced. src="https://www.facebook.com/tr?id=674090812743125&ev=PageView&noscript=1"/>. What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative? Thomas was born in Brooklyn, NY to Margaret (Jennings) and Thomas. Thomas age 51 passed away Tuesday morning with his loving family and friends by his side. Tomme Wayne McDonald March 5, 1947 - November 18, 2022 View Obituary & Service Information Login Print The family of Tomme Wayne McDonald created this Life Tributes page to make it easy to share your memories. McDonald was famously tough. All Rights Reserved. Dearly loved husband of the late Jeanie, proud and. Details are below. Every memory left on the online obituary will be automatically included in the book. When I think of how I became a pro football fan as a youth, I think of the legendary Tommy McDonald. I have it framed. Passed away at home surrounded by his loved ones. Rest in peace Tommy. We are so blessed to have had both Tomme and Shirley in our lives, two amazing Christians theta will forever be in our hearts. He had a combined 33 touchdowns as a junior and senior. His colorful life was immortalized in the play, Tommy and Me, written by Didinger, who first met McDonald as a kid attending Eagles training camp in Hershey in the 1950s. Copyright 2023 Echovita Inc. All rights reserved. May the God of comfort give you peace and strength during this difficult time. Michael Thomas Barron, 60, husband of Sherry (Steele) Barron, passed away on Wednesday, Feb. 22, 2023. As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends. But when an Oklahoma basketball coach saw him play in an all-star football game, he recommended that the Sooners' football coach, Bud Wilkinson, sign him. We knew them to be a very loving and Christian family. Website Designed by funeralOne, https://www.tributeslides.com/tributes/show/K6GFTBRNB29ZT3ZS. TOMMY brought the joy to millions of Eagles fans on the field again and again! Tommy L. McDonald, age 89, of Sherman, TX, passed away at Focused Care Nursing , Linden, TX on Monday, February 1, 2021. Anyone can read what you share. He was 84. After leaving football, he owned a business that provided artists to paint portraits on commission; athletes and businessmen were frequent subjects. The two met at training camp in Hershey when Mr. McDonald allowed the young fan to carry his helmet. Tom grew up in Brooklyn, attending Saint Matthews School and Parish and joined the Air Force in 1955. I also loved playing golf with my Uncle Tom. May the God of Comfort provide the needed support and peace during this difficult time. Condolences to Tommys family and friends. Tom was born February 15, 1940, to parents Nonie and Judge W.T. In later years he enjoyed watching old western, football & wrestling. Send a note, share a story or upload a photo. He had some of the most contagious and wonderful ENTHUSIASM of any person I have ever met!! The last player to perform without a face mask, he rarely missed a game and made a habit of popping immediately to his feet after a particularly hard tackle. He figures any play that doesnt go for a touchdown is a failure, Wilkinson told The Daily Oklahoman. The Maxwell Football Club of Philadelphia named McDonald the nations leading collegiate player of 1956, and he finished third in the Heisman Trophy balloting. In the 1960 Championship Game, which the Eagles won 17-13 over the Packers at Franklin Field, he caught three passes for 90 yards, including a 35-yard touchdown from Norm Van Brocklin in the second quarter. One of my favorite of all time !!! It may take up to 1 hour for your comment to appear on the website. Mr. McDonald was born on July 26, 1934, on a small farm in Roy, a town of 300 on a grassy mesa in northeast New Mexico. "He'd say, `This little guy is my guy.' May the God of comfort be with the family at this difficult time. Brown's Durant Funeral Service Psalms 9:9. When he was in his teens, his family moved to Albuquerque, where his father was a licensed electrician. When NFL Films ranked pro football's all-time tough guys, the ex-Eagles receiver was No. He also played for the Falcons, Rams, Cowboys, and Browns. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. Then he told me why he wanted to do it and I understood. Tommy McDonald, the undersized but speedy and durable Hall of Fame wide receiver who helped propel the Philadelphia Eagles to the 1960 N.F.L. He was 90. It is so sad to hear about your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with Chris and the McDonald family. Mr. McDonald just said no to wearing a helmet with a facemask! VALDOSTA - Valdosta High center Essence Cody was presented her McDonald's All-American jersey in a ceremony Feb. 15. Interment in the Cedar Grove Cemetery will be private. I was lucky to have Tommy call me on the phone once and talk to me on his dime for roughly half an hour. He was known for his field success, but I know as a family man he was known for more than that. Sonny Jurgensen to Tommy McDonaldHE SCORESBILL CAMPBELL WOULD SAYI would put on my Eagles helmet go out in the backyard at half-time and I would always pretend I was himnever anyone elseI was a lil guy too5'5 100lbsbut if Tommy could do itso could I, I thoughtMy Daddies HERO alsoI been crying all day longsoooo SadIt sucks getting oldALL YOUR BOYHOOD HEROS DIE My high school football role model. This site is provided as a service of SCI Shared Resources, LLC. He also had relatively small hands and had lost the tip of his left thumb in a motorbike accident as a teenager. In loving memory of Tommy McDonald, May cherished memories and kind words from others provide solace. title game against the Packers, whom Vince Lombardi was molding into an N.F.L. Sign up for service and obituary updates. But if I had to pick one guy to throw the ball to with the game on the line, Id pick McDonald, he was quoted as saying by Ray Didinger in The Eagles Encyclopedia (2005). Hall of Famer Chuck Bednarik died in 2015 at 89, Hall of Famer Steve Van Buren died in 2012 at 91, Hall of Famer Pete Pihos in 2011 at 87 and Al Wistert, a five-time Pro Bowl lineman from the 1940s who should be in the Hall of Fame, died in 2016 at 95. "He was from another world," said Jurgensen, a close friend. It is with deep sorrow that we announce the death of Thomas McDonald (Laconia, New Hampshire), who passed away on January 9, 2022, at the age of 59, leaving to mourn family and friends. He didn't tell his family," Didinger said. "For four months, I tried as hard as I could to say, 'Tommy, you don't want to do this. Took a picture of him,was on my bucket to get one with him..25 is one of my 2 favorite numbers because of him. Find an Obituary. He had a genuine love for this team, for the Philadelphia community, for the fans, and of course his family. After general manager Joe Kuharich infuriated this city's fans by trading him in 1964, he played in Dallas, Los Angeles, Cleveland and Atlanta. I am from Philly and met him at a Eagles game after he retired and was representing a company with Eagles Cheerleaders. For some people, the best send-off is one that they would have loved to attendthemselves: a big party. Food has always been a go-to for people in mourning. May the God of comfort be with you during this difficult time. But he had to wait until the third round of the 1957 N.F.L. The Deerfield-Windsor soccer teams battled valiantly Tuesday against Thomas County Central but the Lady Knights fell 1-0 and the boys battled to a 0-0 tie with the Yellow Jackets. I am so sorry for your loss. He was good to and for others. He was such a character. Leave a memory or share a photo or video below to show your support. The family will receive friends on Monday, February 27 from 5:00 until 7:00 PM. To the family of Tommy McDonald. Leave a sympathy message to the family on the memorial page of Carol Yvonne MacDonald to pay them a last tribute. He grew up farming and later a full career in oil & gas exploration. I also pray for you to have peace. His father, Clyde E., was a farmer there and his mother, Beulah (Proctor) McDonald, was a homemaker. Tom also adored his sisters and many, many nieces and nephews on both sides of the family and was very proud of all of their various accomplishments. On 16 November 2015 in his 96th year. I won 5 gold medals in track in my senior year of high school. My prayers are with you during this difficult time. I know somehow the little bugger would get open and hed catch the football.. To send a flower arrangement or to plant trees in memory of Such great talent and such a great heart! dynasty. Using a boom box for accompaniment, he joyfully danced, joked, screamed and careened around the stage. And it was there that his two most memorable moments occurred. For all his achievements, McDonald knew his limitations. In his senior year, he also won five gold medals at the state track meet finishing first in the 100-yard dash, 220, low hurdles and a pair of relays. He loved wake boarding and snow boarding; which he was an instructor for. Charges: possession of a controlled substance, possession of drug paraphernalia, and operating motor vehicle without valid license. (79 years old). His best seasons and 66 of those TDs came here, where as the favorite target of Norm Van Brocklin and Sonny Jurgensen he twice was named a first-team all-pro. He was 84. Published: February 25, 2023. So sorry I never got to meet him. Rick was born on February 1, 1964 to parents, Thomas Dunny and Shirley Obituary For Ms. Linda Faye Oliver. The Tommy Thompson Trail trestle, damaged by a fire in August 2022, is now back open. In addition to his parents Mr. McDonald is preceded by ten brothers and sisters. Early in his career he was one of the last N.F.L. We went back and forth, and finally I said, 'Tommy you're going to look like an idiot.' Tommy MacDonald is an internationally acclaimed television personality and world-class woodworker. We all came to the buffet fully decked out in our Raider Nation costumes. Travellers who viewed McDonald's also viewed. Sign the Guest Book. Leave a sympathy message to the family in the guestbook on this memorial page of Tommy McDonald to show support. The Dignity Memorial brand name is used to identify a network of licensed funeral, cremation and cemetery providers that include affiliates of Service Corporation International, 1929 Allen Parkway, Houston, Texas. May the God of all peace bring comfort to the McDonald family and friends at this difficult time. In a light moment at his induction into the Hall of Fame in 1998, McDonald played the Bee Gees hit Stayin Alive.. Help tell the story of your loved ones unique life. I met Tommy in 1968 after his career had ended. Tommy is my second cousin. We have lots of fond memories of our many times together. When the Hall of Fame finally called in 1998, Mr. McDonald marked his induction with one of the most enthusiastic, heartfelt and bizarre acceptance speeches ever. Read more about the life story of Mr. Tommy and share your memory. He had a genuine love for this team, for the Philadelphia community, for the fans, and of course his family. ERWIN Betty Ann Williams, 87, passed away Monday evening, Feb. 27, 2023, at Transitions LifeCare Hospice in Raleigh. With the Eagles trailing the favored Green Bay by 6-0 midway through the first quarter, McDonald caught a 22-yard pass from quarterback Norm Van Brocklin, then hauled in a 35-yard touchdown throw on the next play. Our condolences to the family. John F. Kennedy Inaugural Address Jan. 20 . Everywhere you look, there is suffering but, having such faith is the assured expectation of things hoped for, the evident demonstration of realities though not beheld. Unless you are experienced as an estate executor, you probably should hire an attorney. May the God of all comfort be with the family and friends at this very difficult time. Tom was always the epitome of kindness and politeness with a great sense of humor. Loved Mum of Neville and Cheryl, and Ros and Phil de Silva. Comfort the family with flowers or a sympathy gift. It wasn't until the third round of the 1957 draft that Philadelphia chose him with the 31st overall pick. "After that, I thought maybe I could live out there," he said, When Eagles coach Hugh Devore asked Wilkinson for an assessment of the draftee, the Sooners coach said, "I don't think Tommy is big enough to make it as a running back. Enter Ralph Hayden Toole, age 83, of Owenton, passed away Wednesday, February 22, 2023, at Thompson-Hood Veteran's Center in Wilmore, KY. Born June 15, 1939, in Owen County, he was the son of the late James Paul and Anna Catherine Sharon Toole and was preceded in death by his siblings, Thomas Toole, James Lewis Toole, Virginia Joseph, and . Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. David Kessler's top 4 tips for dealing with holiday grief. He was born on January 13, 1940 to Ewell Benjamin and Valda D. McDonald who predeceased him. He was elected to the College Football Hall of Fame in 1985 and the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1998. "Being a running back helped me tremendously," he once said of the transition. Eubank Cedar Creek Funeral Home & Memorial Park, Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. You never were afraid to take a hit. It is wonderful to know that his legacy will live on. Mr. On Oct. 4, 1959, one week after he'd broken his jaw and had it wired shut, Mr. McDonald caught touchdown passes of 33, 55 and 19 yards and scored on an 81-yard punt return in a 49-21 rout of the New York Giants. Obituary Evans Funeral Home announces the death of Mr. Tommy Gene McDonald, age 79 of Ellenwood, Georgia who entered into rest Friday, August 27, 2021. Alongside with his father, he founded what's now known as Marshfield's CoxHealth Center. I wished I could have thanked him for giving the Eagles our first championship. Please accept my condolences. Norton Funeral Home and Crematory are honored to be of service to the McDonald family. Funeral services will be conducted at 11:00 a.m. Pastor Robert Parnell, Jr. will deliver the eulogy with interment to . May he Rest In Peace. can stop at any time. Thomas Kelly McDonald Obituary It is with deep sorrow that we announce the death of Thomas Kelly McDonald (Hartsville, South Carolina), who passed away on February 28, 2023, at the age of 51, leaving to mourn family and friends. - love your Pegasus family. Sir I can tell you no matter where you were and whoever you were with Tom. Thomas John Cavanaugh, Sr. of Matamoras, PA died February 25, 2023 at Garnett Health Medical Center. Though Oklahoma relied heavily on the run, Wilkinson added a few options in 1956 that employed Mr. McDonald as both a receiver and passer. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. Recommended for you It seems like only yesterday Sonny J. was tossing those beautiful spirals which you hauled in with so little effort; when I think of Philly legends your name always surfaces! He was proud to have served his country and often recounted many stories of his days on the base in Germany. Tommy was truly wonderful to watch out on the field. He was elected to the Hall of Fame in 1998. Born in Meteghan, on March 12, 1962, she was a daughter of the late Francis and Regina Keoughan. 0. In addition to her and his son Christopher, he is survived by another son, Tom; another daughter, Tish McDonald; his brother, Clyde Ray McDonald; and five grandchildren. 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