Joseph William McDonald III

Joseph William McDonald, III of Ashville, Alabama, rejoined his Heavenly Father on September 19, 2025. He was born in Birmingham, Alabama on November 23, 1954 to Joseph William McDonald, Jr and Frances Mabelle Galbreath McDonald and lived a life full of music, laughter, and love. Joseph was known for his prowess at trivia games and his passion for life. He kept his family full of his world-famous brisket and rolls, and he always made sure no one went home empty-handed—whether he was sending home leftover food or "lavish gifts" that he hand-picked for everyone who he might see. No matter what time of day, if someone needed help with anything, Joe would be there to help. A founding member of the family's Raccoon Response and Relocation Team, he was always available to lend a helping hand, even at the risk of rabies. Joe knew the best spots to eat in any town, and he always had stories to tell alongside the meal. He was an expert in many areas, including his encyclopedic knowledge of stereo equipment, music, and obscure pop culture trivia. The only thing he loved more than his family was the Lord. Joseph was an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Gadsden, Alabama. He shared his testimony with all who would hear it and Joseph will be remembered most for his immense faith. Joseph is survived by his beloved wife, Nancy McDonald, nee Frederick. Joseph and Nancy were married in 1988 and sealed for all eternity in 2004 in the Birmingham Alabama Temple. Joseph is also survived by brother, Glenn McDonald; sister, Dawn McDonald; brother-in law, Mark (Judy) Frederick and sister-in law, Liz Frederick; niece, Dawn (Dan) Eveland; nephew, Robert (Kerri) McDonald; nephew, Nathan (Lily) Jaynes; nephew, Kenneth Jaynes; nephew, Seth (Debbi) Jaynes; nephew, Heath (Melissa) Jaynes; nephew, Ethan (Meghan) Jaynes; nephew, Robert Frederick, nephew, Chris (Tonya) Frederick; niece, Amanda (Robin) Martinez; nephew, Sam (Krissi) Frederick; niece, Erin (Chris) Marotta; nephew, Lindsey (Melissa) Frederick; nephew, Clayton Frederick; niece, Sarah (Phillip) Henson; nephew, Coleman Frederick; niece, Emily Frederick. He is also survived by great niece, Christina Van Winkle; great nephew, Christopher (Irma) Whatley; great niece, Brittany (Dylan) Mullins; great nephew, Matthew Eveland; great nephew, Devon Jaynes, great nephew, Tyler Jaynes; great nephew, Isaac (Allyssa) Jaynes; great nephew, Matthew Jaynes; great niece, Bella Kirkland; great nephew, Nathan Nutile; great niece, Tess Gaines; great niece, Cora Jaynes; great niece, Heidi Jaynes; great nephew, Aiden Jaynes; great nephew, Jack Jaynes; great niece, Juliet Jaynes; great nephew, Devon Frederick; great niece, Paige Frederick; great niece, Evelyn Martinez; great niece, Samantha Frederick; great niece, Charlie Wray; great nephew, Xander Frederick; great nephew, Bryson Frederick; great niece, Ashlee Frederick; great nephew, Alex Frederick; great niece, Amelia Frederick; great niece, Elora Frederick; great niece, Alice Frederick as well as great-great nephew, Brendan Whatley; great-great nephew, Owen Van Winkle; great-great niece, Grace Whatley, and great-great nephew, C. J. Whatley. Joseph was predeceased by father, Joseph William McDonald, Jr.; mother, Frances Mabelle Galbreath Locke; step-mother, Mary Jenkins McDonald; step-father; Hugh Locke, Jr.; father-in-law, James L. Frederick; mother-in-law, Jane Fowler Frederick; sister-in-law, Cynthia Dumas; brother-in-law, Michael Frederick; brother-in-law, Tim Frederick; brother-in-law, Andrew Frederick; great-nephew, Jaxon Jaynes and great-niece, Susannah Frederick. Pallbearers will be: Robert McDonald; Heath Jaynes; Ethan Jaynes; Sam Frederick;Lindsey Frederick; and Coleman Frederick. Honorary pallbearers: Dan Eveland; Nathan Jaynes; Kenneth Jaynes; Seth Jaynes; Robert Frederick; Christopher Frederick; Robin Martinez; Chris Marotta; Clayton Frederick; and Phillip Henson. Visitation will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, September 23, 2025 at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 2001 Noccalula Rd, Gadsden, AL 35904 with services to follow at noon. Interment will be in the Forest Hill Cemetery in Birmingham, Alabama. In Lieu of Flowers please make Donations to your Favorite Charity. Arrangements are entrusted to Etowah Memorial Chapel

Joseph William McDonald III

November 23, 1954 - September 19, 2025