Thomas E. Donald Sr., better known as "Teddy," was born on December 8, 1947 in Hattiesburg, Mississippi. He died June 7, 2013.

He was the fourth of nine children. He was preceded in death by his parents Eddie Frank Donald and Lillie Corrine Donald, and his wife, Marian Donald.

Teddy was born with an incredible thirst for knowledge and was a voracious reader. He attended Alcorn State University and later transferred to the University of Southern Mississippi where he was a member of Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity. While at Southern Miss he met Marian, his wife of 30 years.

After college, with the help of his "40 year friends" he and Marian moved to Lake Charles, Louisiana. Here Teddy began his nearly 30-year career with Olin Corporation where he was a very well respected lab and unit supervisor. His love of learning led him to become actively involved in photography. He fully embraced the computer age becoming a self-taught computer wizard and certified federal tax return preparer. Teddy and business partners eventually created K & T Tax Service.

While in Lake Charles Teddy engrossed himself in community activism. His love for giving led him to become an esteemed coach and president of Mid City Little League. The lives of many young men and families were greatly impacted under his leadership.

Teddy was abundantly blessed with the gift of compassion. He was always willing to give words of comfort or guidance to anyone who needed it. While standing on biblical principles Teddy accepted people of all faiths with a true devotion for the betterment of humanity. His daily prayer was "Abide in me with faith in God." He attended several churches locally and valued giving to all.

Thomas Sr. is survived by three sons;

Frederick L. Conner of Hattiesburg, MS; Thomas E. (Lakenia) Donald Jr. and Kenneth M. Donald of Lake Charles, LA; one daughter Lawanda Donald of Lake Charles, LA; and four grandchildren: Fredericka J. Conner of Hattiesburg, MS, Miles C. Brown, Isaiah T. Donald, and Sydnee E. Donald of Lake Charles, LA; companion, Alice "Faye" Milburn of Lake Charles, LA, three sisters: Edna L. Donald-McKinley of Martinez, CA; Deborah L. Washington of San Jose, CA; Sandra F. Donald-Henderson of Hayward, CA; five brothers: Rev. James (Hazel) Donald Sr. of Jackson, MS; Rev. Philip C. (Ruth) Donald of Lexington, KY; Bernard F. (Emma) Donald of Fort Worth, TX; Glen P. (Mae Bradley) Donald of Moss Point, MS; Gary W. (Shirley) Donald of Grand Prairie, TX

Funeral service for Thomas "Teddy" Donald, Sr. will be held Saturday, June 15, 2013 at 11 a.m. at the True Light Missionary Baptist Church. Reverend James Donald will be officiating. Visitation will be held from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. Interment will be at Sacred Heart Cemetery under the direction of Combre Funeral Home.