Jeffrey L. McDonald, 56 of Hillsville, passed away Tuesday, August 21, 2018 in his home from Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease or COPD. Jeffrey is preceded in death by his parents, Eldon McDonald of Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, and Elizabeth Lucille McDonald Thompson of Hillsville.

Survivors include his brother, Thomas McDonald of Purcellville, Virginia; and three sisters, all of whom reside in Hillsville: Linda Surratt, Donna Gunsalus, and Valerie McDonald. Jeff was especially close to his uncle "Sonny," Guy Quesenberry of Hillsville and Williamsburg, Virginia; and cousin, Guy Quesenberry, Jr. of Hillsville.

Jeff attended Carroll County High School. Always fond of music, it was in the last decade Jeff discovered his love of writing, and dedicated himself to composing in a variety of genre—screenplays, poetry, and the recounting of stories about relatives experiencing the American Civil War in Southwestern Virginia. Foremost, Jeff delighted in writing and publishing a series of children stories centered on his eternally optimistic character, Uppity the Cultured Cat . It was in this character that Jeff reflected his own views about the world and his fellow man: he trusted and embraced everyone; hardships and setbacks were only temporary; and with his beloved dog and "pal-pal," Blackie , alongside, every day held promise.

There will be a gathering for Family and Friends on Wednesday, August 29, 2018 from 6:00 – 8:00pm at the Vaughan-Guynn-McGrady Chapel in Hillsville. A graveside service with burial will be held at Green Hill Primitive Baptist Church Cemetery on Saturday, September 8, 2018 at 11:30.

A guestbook is available by visiting www.vaughanguynnandmcgrady.com . Vaughan-Guynn-McGrady Chapel will be serving the McDonald family.