Earl McDonald Obituary

Earl "Mac" R. McDonald Jr. joined his army of angels after an unexpected, short-term, aggressive illness on Tuesday, July 1st, 2025, surrounded by his loved ones. Mac was born on November 13th, 1970, to Earl McDonald Sr. and Shirley McDonald in Barberton, Ohio, where he lived the 54 years of his life.
Mac is preceded in death by his grandparents, John and Violet McDonald and James and Charlene Brasiel, his uncle's Donald, Rick and Danny Brasiel, his aunt Sandy Brasiel, his stepfather Gene Jordan, Father-in-laws Duane Wyckoff Sr, Jim Gossard, and two of his dearest friends, Dave Darrow and Davey Moore.
Mac is survived by the love of his life for 27 years, his wife Dawn and their children, Morgan Orr, Brandon McDonald, his "champ" Cole (Ashley) McGhee, his absolute ride or die Kyrstan "Punky" McDonald, and his fur baby Zeus. His eight grandchildren including his best bubby Ryder McGhee, and his little princess Andi Dawn McGhee. Mac's wife, children and grandchildren were the absolute world to him, and to know him you knew that. The love he had for them was profound, and not just from his heart but from his soul. He worked to provide for them, and gave them everything they ever needed or wanted, he did not miss a motocross race, a softball game, football game, soccer practice, school function and most recently pool leagues or tournaments. He supported them in their dreams and coached them through each admiration to be the best they could be. He was the biggest cheerleader for his family. His father, best friend and mentor, Earl McDonald Sr. (Sherri), his mother Shirley Jordan who he shared a very deep bond with, His little sister, who he adored Mya (Duane) Wyckoff, Brother-in-law Dustin (Angie) Wyckoff, Mother-in-law Chris Gossard, Uncle Tom (Brenda) Brasiel, step-siblings, Matt, Chris, Melissa and Hayley, his nieces Amyryn and Lexi, nephews Derrick, Chet, Cody, Dawson and Donovan, his best man John Lattea, and several that shared in a brotherhood with him including but not limited to, Jim Alberta, Rick "Duck" Duffield, Doug Sommers, Ricky Duffield, Jason Reinhart, and so many more, you know who you are, there are simply too many to list.
Mac's love and dedication to his family and friends was impeccable. He didn't really have friends; he had a very large family. If you thought of him as a friend, he thought of you as family. He was one of the most selfless people to walk this earth. Mac did whatever was needed done or helped when help was needed, most of the time before being asked to make things easier for everyone. Mac truly had an impact on everyone he met with his kind, supportive, and fierce personality.
Mac raced alongside his father, best friend, and mentor Earl Sr. for many years at Barberton Speedway, where he took home a host of trophies, awards, and friendships. Some of Mac's best and favorite memories were working on race cars with his dad and heading to the track to battle his way to the front. After retiring from racing, Mac was unbelievably proud to hear his son Cole wanted to carry on his legacy. Shortly after, Mac's brother-in-law Dustin got behind the wheel to begin his racing career. Mac was deeply moved and incredibly proud to be a part of their ambition to race where he did. Forever cherished #38!
Mac began playing pool after watching his father compete at the age of 16, Mac has played on several teams, several leagues, several tournaments, states, and nationals in Las Vegas throughout the years with his father by his side. Over the last year, Mac began to mentor his son Cole and daughter Kyrstan when they shared their desire to carry his legacy on the pool table. Mac was so proud, and quickly formed a team with his father, his son, his daughter, his brother Ricky and himself "family tradition".
Mac loved to travel with his wife, they developed a "bucket list" of all the places they wanted to see, and experience. Mac and his wife made a pact to see one place a year together until the bucket list was completed. They almost finished it, and he would be proud to know it will be finished by his wife, children and grandchildren in his honor.
Mac worked for over thirty years as a District Manager for Rent-A-Center, where he mentored many in their professional development, provided guidance, support, and advocacy to get the job done, the amount of respect his RAC family had for him showed his great leadership and his dedication to help his team succeed.
Mac was truly one of a kind, a true leader, legacy, and inspiration. He will be deeply missed by all that knew him. The loyalty, respect, dedication, honor and deep love that Mac showed will forever live on through his wife, children, grandchildren, and all he considered family.
Family and Friends may visit at the Campfield-Hickman-Collier Funeral Home, 566 W. Park Ave., Barberton, Ohio 44203 on Saturday, July 19th, 2025, from 10am-2pm, services from 2pm-2:30pm, and a celebration of life at the Barberton Liedertafel immediately following.
In Lieu of flowers, please contact Dawn on how donations can be made to Wyckoff Racing, McGhee Motocross Racing and or The Family Tradition Pool Team.
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