Paul Irvin McDonald Obituary - Visitation & Funeral Information

Paul Irvin McDonald, age 61, entered into rest at home in Bluff City, TN, surrounded by his family on Saturday, June 18, 2022 after a long battle with Mesothelioma. Paul was born in Washington D.C. on October 16, 1960. He also resided many places throughout his life; Ft. Washington, Waldorf, Mechanicsville/Charlotte Hall and then finally in Bluff City, Tennessee. Throughout his 37 year career, Paul worked for George Warner Mechanical as a plumber, a pipefitter and welder at Washington Navy Yard, and finished his career as an engineering project manager for the D.C. Air National Guard. He enjoyed woodworking, golf, R.C. cars and airplanes, mountain biking, archery and working puzzles. He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Albert and Beatrice McDonald, father Paul McDonald, his mother Brenda Fourzan. Those left to cherish Paul’s memory include his wife, Shelly McDonald; daughter, Megan Birchfield and husband Scotty, daughter, Mallory Parker and husband Jamie; son, Dominic McDonald and wife, Alexa; grandsons, Austin McDonald, Luke Montgomery, Caleb McDonald, Brady McDonald, Dylan McDonald and Gavin Parker; several step-grandchildren: Wyatt and Ella. Paul is also survived by his stepmother, Dianne McDonald and his siblings, Julie and Steve McDonald and several half and step-siblings. And last but not least, his furry best friend, Levi McDonald. In lieu of flowers, the family requests any donations be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital, which meant a lot to Paul. Oakley-Cook Funeral Home and Crematory, 2223 Volunteer Parkway, Bristol, TN 37620 (423-764-7123) is honored to serve the McDonald family during this difficult time. A Celebration of Life for Paul will be held on Saturday, July 23, 2022 from 2:00 pm until 5:00 pm, with Pastor James Wickham officiating. The celebration will be held in the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church Hall (located directly behind the church) at 28297 Old Village Road, Mechanicsville, MD 20659. As our hearts are grieving over the loss of our beloved Paul, remember that our life here on earth is described as that of a vapor and our ultimate goal is to reach our final resting place; in the arms of our Heavenly Father. I’m Free Don’t grieve for me, for now I’m free I’m following the path God has laid out for me. I took His hand when I heard him call I turned my back and left it all. I could not stay another day To laugh, to love, to work, to play. Tasks left undone must stay that way I found that peace at the close of day. If my parting has left a void Then fill it with remembered joy. A friendship shared, a laugh, a kiss Oh yes, these things I too will miss. Be not burdened with times of sorrow I wish you the sunshine of tomorrow. My life’s been full, I savored much Good friends, good times, a loved one’s touch. Perhaps my time seemed all too brief Don’t lengthen it now with undue grief. Lift up your hearts and peace to thee; God wanted me now; He set me free.

Paul Irvin McDonald

October 16, 1960 - June 18, 2022