Pastor's Blog

Belvin Levi McDonald, Sr., a native of Grand Bay, AL, passed away January 10, 2021.

He was born November 23, 1932, on Hall Rd in the family home and considered Grand Bay to be his home.

He was a member of Friendship Baptist Church in Grand Bay, AL. He was preceded in death by his wife, Betty Thornton McDonald; parents, Bedford and Harriet McDonald; sister, Joyce Gardner; and step-son, Randal “Randy” Reeves.
Suvivors include his children, Joy Scott, Karen (Hector) Saldivar, Linda (Darrell) Whidden, Belvin “BJ” (Kim) McDonald, Jr.; step-children, Kerry “Speedy” (Lyn) Reeves and Mary Dueitt; sisters, Jeanette (Tommy) Mizell and Betty (Paul) Ford; brother, Gerald (Theresa) McDonald; 10 grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren; other relatives, and friends.

He graduated from Mobile County High School and served in the Marine Reserves for two years before joining the Navy for four years. While in the Navy he served during the Korean Conflict on the USS Bon Homme Richard (CVA-31). He retired from Ingalls after 31 years and loved fishing and going out in his boat after retiring.

He enjoyed Mardi Gras and was involved for over 15 years. He and his wife, Betty, were chosen to be Emblems of the organization, and they served as President one year.

He loved most sports. He started the football program in Grand Bay and ran it for 14 years. He coached many young boys in football and baseball. He was president of Grand Bay Ballpark for 5 years and coached women’s softball team “Silk Ridge” for 5 years; they were Alabama state champions in 1974. He loved Crimson Tide and was a crazy Alabama fan. ROLL TIDE

The family will hold a private visitation and funeral service on Friday, January 15, 2021 at Serenity Funeral Home.

The service will be streamed for the public on the same day at 2 PM at serenityfuneralhome.com