BOBBY JOE (BJ) McDONALD

Bobby Joe (BJ) McDonald died February 23, 2018, in a Texarkana Hospice Center surrounded by his family. BJ was born July 3, 1941 in Shreve-port, Louisiana, to George W. and Cecil McDon-ald. BJ was 76 years old. He was preceded in death by his parents; one brother, Bill McDonald; one sister, Dianne Hendrickson; and one grandson, Hunter B. Roberts. Survivors include his wife of 58 years, Josephine McDonald; daughter and son-in-law, Linda and Billy B. Roberts of Texarkana Texas, daughter Brenda Bryan of Texarkana Texas; 2 granddaughters, Chelsea Roberts of Fayetteville Arkansas, and Brooke Bryan of Texarkana, Texas; 3 nephews, Mike McDonald, Randy McDonald, and Larry Hendrickson. Services with Masonic and Military rites will be held Tuesday, February 27, 2018, at Chapelwood Funeral Home with visitation at 11:30-1:00 and services following immediately afterward. BJ was a veteran of the U.S. Army, serving during the Vietnam War. Entering the service in 1959, he retired in 1982 serving 23 years as a Sergeant Major. Upon his retirement from the Army, BJ became employed with Defense Logistics Agency at Red River Army Depot and served as the Security Specialist. He retired from DLA in 2003 with 20 years of service. BJ was also active in the Masonic Lodge Wake Village Chapter as a 32nd Degree Mason. He was also very active with the American Legion Post 25 serving as past Post Commander. BJ was one of the persons responsible in having the Vietnam Veterans Memorial erected in Texarkana. He was a member of the Disabled Veterans of America and was also a past Commissioner of American Legion Baseball Association. He was a member of First Baptist Church Moores Lane and a member of the Tuller Sunday School Class. During a previous interview, BJ was asked "What time in your life truly tested your mettle and what did you learn about yourself by dealing or not dealing with them?" His response, " Vietnam tested me, you had to put faith in yourself to live or die. You learn stuff about yourself that you never knew and always trusted God." The family would like to thank Christus St. Michaels Staff for their untiring service and dedication. Also thanks to Hospice of Texarkana for their professionalism and caring hearts during BJ's short stay. And a special thanks to Judy Baggett and Larry Hendrickson for their caring service to the family during this time. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to American Legion Post 25 or Hospice of Texarkana. He will be missed by ALL. Online registration is at www.chapelwoodfuneralhome.com.