Obituary of Timothy Whitfield McDonald

Timothy Whitfield McDonald, a native of Lookout Mountain, died unexpectedly on Thursday, June 4, 2015. He was 51. Tim was educated at The McCallie School and during that time was actively involved in Teen Missions ministry, spending summers on mission trips to Brazil and Venezuela. He was an accomplished soccer player and helped lead McCallie to capture the state title during his senior year. He earned an athletic scholarship to Wheaton College, where he also served as vice-president of his Freshman Class. He then went on to play soccer for Vanderbilt, where he was a member of Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity. Tim graduated from Vanderbilt with a double major in Biomedical Engineering and Math, followed by an MBA from the Owen Graduate School of Management at Vanderbilt. He continued his love of soccer, playing semi-professional, before entering the medical device industry working for Guidant Corporation. Tim then went on to pursue entrepreneurial interests in real estate and was considered a true visionary. He spearheaded numerous projects including the development of Canyon Cove, a residential complex on the Tennessee River. Most recently, Tim was developing a mixed-use marina (Canooga) with access to the Tennessee River at the base of Lookout Mountain. He also developed mixed-use retail space on Main Street and owned storage unit facilities in Tennessee and Georgia. Tim’s zest for life and great love for his family were witnessed by all of those around him. He was a devoted husband, dedicated father, avid outdoorsman and accomplished golfer. He had a love and appreciation for art, both as a collector and as a talented painter. As a shining example of patience and compassion, he was dearly loved by those that knew him and always provided a helping hand to those in need. He was a lifetime member of the Lookout Mountain Presbyterian Church. In addition, Tim was a member of the Fairyland Club and the Lookout Mountain Golf Club. He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Charles D. McDonald Sr., Kathleen (Henderson) McDonald and EscoAlexander Whitfield. He is survived by his maternal grandmother, Conyous (Prater) Whitfield. In addition, he is survived by his father, Dr. Charles D. McDonald and his mother, Jan (Whitfield) McDonald. He is also survived by his wife, Katie (Bush) McDonald and his children, Timothy Whitfield McDonald, daughter, Sophia Price McDonald, Robert Allen McDonald, Gabriel Scott McDonald, and Luke Randall McDonald. He is survived by two brothers, Charles (Chuck) D. McDonald III (Hillary) of Brentwood, Tn. and Dr. D. Patrick McDonald (Chris) of Chattanooga. Nephews and nieces are Charles McDonald IV, Anna Courtney McDonald, Elizabeth McDonald Moore (Michael), Laura Victoria McDonald, D. Patrick McDonald Jr. and grand-nephew, Colton Heyward McDonald. In lieu of flowers, the McDonald family requests that contributions be made to the Boys & Girls Club of Chattanooga or the Hunter Museum of American Art. Visitation will be held at Lookout Mountain Presbyterian Church on Monday, June 8, from 5:30-8 p.m. There will be an additional visitation on Tuesday, June 9, from 10-11 a.m. The memorial service will follow at 11 a.m.. and will be held in the sanctuary of Lookout Mountain Presbyterian Church with Senior Associate Pastor Frank Hitchings officiating. Graveside services will follow immediately at Forest Hills Cemetery. Arrangements are by Wann Funeral Home and Cremation Center at the foot of historic Lookout Mountain, 821-7551. Share your memories, stories and photos at www.wannfuneralhome.com.