William Renfrew Donalson

Mr. William Renfrew Donalson, 89, of Tallahassee, passed away on February 25, 2025. A memorial service will be held on Sunday, March 2 at 3:30 pm at Fellowship Presbyterian Church with Pastor A. J. Mealor officiating. The family will receive friends at a reception immediately following the service. Private entombment will be held at a later date in Panama City, Florida.

A native of Pitt County, North Carolina, Bill, as he was affectionately known, was the only child born to Stella Whichard Donalson on August 20, 1935. He was an alumnus of Florida State University with a Bachelor of Science and a Master of Science degrees in Education. While his first few years of teaching was in elementary schools, he took a job in 1965 as Director of an ESEA Title I Grant to work with 14 schools in Albany, Georgia to begin a new Reading Clinic and Materials Center. When Tallahassee Community College opened in 1966 in shared facilities at Godby High School and then opened its new campus on Appleyard Drive in 1967, Bill moved back to Tallahassee and served as the Director of a College Reading and Study Skills program. However, the majority of Bill’s career was proudly serving as a faculty member and as a scholar teacher of Composition and Literature with the Department of English at TCC for over 37 years; retiring in 2003. Bill was admired and respected by his colleagues, students and staff. He loved and appreciated the teaching profession.

Bill was a member of Fellowship Presbyterian Church for 28 years. Throughout his membership, Bill served as a Deacon, Elder, Sunday School teacher, Chairman of PNC, Leader of Senior Group, and Chef. Speaking of which, Bill found much joy in preparing meals for the Church, especially the Wednesday night dinners. The fact that Bill was committed and supportive of the Church, the members declared August 27, 2008, as “Bill Donalson Day of Appreciation.”

While Bill was a down-to-earth man, he appreciated the finer things in life. For years, Bill and his mother enjoyed entertaining in their home using the finest antique China and crystal on a beautifully set dinner table.

Bill was also a crusader to many in their time of need. Since his mother’s death, he had unconditionally opened his home to many who needed a place to stay. He was indeed a “step-up and get it done” kind of man, whenever or whomever had a need. It was his privilege (and as he would say, Christian duty) to help others unconditionally, and treat them in a dignified and caring manner; never judging. This same unconditional character is how Bill made life-long friends among his colleagues, students, church congregants, and the Royal Oaks community, where he lived for over forty years. Bill also made lasting friendships with people he met throughout his lifetime of traveling, mission trips, and also during his stint teaching in Japan.

In addition to his teaching career, Bill had many unique talents and interests. His personal collection of antiques, stained glass and fine art is displayed beautifully throughout his home. Over the years, Bill was called upon by major antique houses across the country for his expertise in crystal and fine cut-class. He made countless stained-glass windowpanes for churches in Costa Rica and Jamaica (on his own dime), as well as for family and friends. He also designed and created stained glass lamp shades, many of which are still displayed in homes across the country. Bill’s other love, since 1973, was the “splendid and ancient art” of decorating eggs or more specifically, eggshells; a delicate, tedious and time-consuming process. In fact, Bill’s Christmas trees were always adorned with his many unique and gorgeous works of art.

Bill was predeceased by his mother Stella Whichard Donalson and his father Gus Donalson. He is survived by his brother of a different mother, first cousin, best friend and caregiver, LT J. Edward Whichard, USCG Retired and his wife Lynn of Winterville, NC and their children and grandchildren, as well as numerous first, second and third cousins throughout the southeastern part of the United States. Bill will also be fondly remembered by his closest friends, Jerry McBee, Paul McGinniss (Ann), JoAnne George, Paul Burris (Ann) and Greg Landreth, all of Tallahassee.

The family extends a heart-felt thank you to the staff at St. Augustine’s Assisted Living Center, for the skillful care of Bill. The family is also appreciative to the Big Bend Hospice staff and to Bill’s many friends and church members who took time out of their busy day to visit with him during his brief stay at St. Augustine.

At a time like this, there is relatively little anyone can do or say to lessen our grief, but even as we grieve, we can remember and cherish the good times we enjoyed with Bill, be comforted by the love that we shared with him and celebrate a beautiful and amazing life well-lived. May you enjoy your time In Heaven Bill, designing and creating stained glass windows for the mansions that are being prepared for the rest of us. We love you and will miss you, Bill Donalson!

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be sent to Fellowship Presbyterian Church.