News Summary
Stuart R. MacDonald, a World War II veteran and prominent business leader, passed away at the age of 100. His contributions to military service and community outreach in Austin were exemplary, and he is remembered for his dedication to helping fellow veterans and sharing his war experiences through published works and interviews. Following a successful career in finance, MacDonald leaves behind a legacy of service and family.
Austin, TX – Stuart R. MacDonald, a veteran of World War II and a notable business leader, passed away on October 9th at the age of 100. MacDonald, who spent his final years in Austin, was formerly a resident of Riverside, RI and Greenville, SC.
Born in Hartsdale, NY, to Frances (Sharp) and John A. MacDonald, his family moved to Massachusetts when he was just four years old. He grew up in Lakeville, MA, where he attended Middleboro High School. MacDonald was active in sports during his youth, playing on the high school football team until he chose to leave school to serve in the Marines.
During World War II, he served with the 11th Marines of the First Marine Division, participating in pivotal battles in the Solomon Islands, including Guadalcanal. After the war, he returned to the United States and served as a military police officer at the Parris Island base. Known for his distinctive red hat and leather Marine jacket, MacDonald dedicated over 10 years of his life to the Marine League of Greenville, SC, where he served as Commandant.
In the days leading up to his passing, MacDonald was actively involved in community service, frequently serving snacks and bananas at the local Veterans Affairs (VA) clinic in Austin. His contributions extended beyond service; he published numerous papers focused on his experiences in World War II, particularly concerning the South Pacific battles. A two-hour video interview with MacDonald discussing his war experiences has also been made available on YouTube by historian Rishi Sharma.
Following his military service, MacDonald attended Bryant College in Providence, where he graduated in 1951. He embarked on a successful career in accounting and finance, eventually becoming the controller and later the president of Marshall & Williams, a Providence-based textile manufacturing company. Under his leadership, the company’s corporate offices moved to Greenville, SC, where he managed operations for over 30 years.
Outside of his professional pursuits, MacDonald enjoyed golf and was a long-time member of several golf clubs, including the Rhode Island Country Club, Greenville Country Club, and Holly Tree Country Club. His favorite place was a beach house in North Litchfield, SC, where he cherished spending time with his family.
Stuart R. MacDonald was predeceased by his wives Josephine and Muriel, as well as his brother Edwin. He is survived by his sons Stuart (Renee) and Douglas (Linda), daughters Deborah, Alison (Roy), and Laurie, along with 11 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren. The family expressed gratitude for the kindness and support shown by their friend Karen in caring for Stuart, along with the friends at the VA clinic.
A Memorial Service is scheduled for Wednesday, October 22, 2025, at 10:30 AM at the Austin VA Clinic. His burial will take place at Riverside Cemetery in Pawtucket, RI, at a date to be determined. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Stuart’s name to the Central Texas Veteran Health Care System.
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Additional Resources
- Wheelan-Pressly Funeral Home: Austin Johnson Obituary
- Wikipedia: World War II
- Legacy.com: Derek Woollett Obituary
- Google Search: Stuart R. MacDonald
- Delaware Online: Obituary
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Veterans Affairs
- Gordon Funeral Service: Corliss Austin Obituary
- Google News: World War II Veteran
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