Henry McDonald

Obituary For Henry McDonald

Henry “Buddy” “Hank” Martin McDonald was born August 20, 1938, in Memphis, Tennessee, to parents, Harry McDonald and Evelyn Costilla Dunford McDonald. Many of his early years were spent with his extended family of Aunts (Kathleen and Ellen), Uncle Westley, and cousins - Lula, Dorothy, Allen, Sheila, Mary and Saint James.

Hank was baptized, attended and graduated from St. Augustine Catholic Church and School. While in school, he was known for his quick wit, great sense of humor, and the ability to imitate many of the entertainers of that time. He served as an altar server and was a member of the illustrious Thunderbolt football team.

Upon graduation, Hank joined the U.S. Marine Corps where he received many commendations and medals. He was honorably discharged and reached the rank of Sergeant.

After his military service, Hank set up residency in New York City and had several different jobs, including being a taxi driver. He was most notably one of the first Black police officers in the New York City Transit Authority. During his time there, he met his wife, Evelyn, and together they raised five children, Wilton Antonio “Tee”, Jack “J.R.”, Sandra, Rosa and Alvin.

After retirement from the New York City Transit Police, he returned home to Memphis to care for his mother “Angel”. Simultaneously, he worked for several years as a U.S. Marshall for the Federal Court.

Buddy was the family historian and spent many hours searching ancestry.com and other genealogy records. He was able to trace the family history back to the Civil War where the original Henry Martin, his great-grandfather, served in the Union Army.

Besides family history, Buddy was a connoisseur of African-American history, current events, oldies, 20th century movies and also a collector of President Barack Obama memorabilia. He could discuss and relate to you regarding all genres of music (jazz, doo wop, and male singing groups from classic gospel, soul and popular music) … “I don’t know about rap”.

An inspiration to many, everybody loved his engaging ways of making one feel special. He always encouraged the young to be proud of who they were and that they could be and do whatever they put their minds to do.

Remembering, cherishing, and mourning Buddy are his children, Wilton Antonio “Tee” Rhodes (Margo), Jack “J.R.” Rhodes (Doreen), Sandra Rhodes-Brown (Irvin), Rosa Rhodes, and Alvin McDonald Rhodes (Calandra) all of Virginia; special “sisters,” Dorothy S. Katoe and Sheila Stiles Jewell; numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren; and a host of other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Evelyn; sister and brothers.

He lived his life as a servant to his country and community and was a beloved father, grandfather, uncle, cousin, friend and hero.

The family will receive friends Thursday, March 28, 2024 from 9:00am-9:55am with a Celebration of Life to follow at 10:00am both will be held at RS Lewis & Sons 2944 Walnut Grove Road, Memphis, TN 38111.

Interment will be in New Park Cemetery, 4536 Horn Lake Rd, Memphis, TN 38109