Thomas Walter MacDonald, 85, of Wilmington, passed away on Tuesday, October 7, 2025, at Lower Cape Fear LifeCare in Wilmington surrounded by his loving family.

Tom was born on February 8, 1940, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, to the late Murray and Naomi Ray (Evrard) MacDonald.

Tom, a retired US Army veteran, earned the Bronze Star for his actions as a member of the 101st Airborne Division during the Viet Nam war. Before entering the Army, Tom was very proud be to a certified deep sea salvage diver, getting his certification in San Francisco, California. Following his military career, Tom worked for 23 years with the FAA. He enjoyed bowling, reading, travelling and going on cruises with his wife, Erna. Tom was an outgoing joyful man who never met a stranger. He will be deeply missed by his family and friends.

Tom is survived by his wife of 60 years, Erna (Gotz) MacDonald; his son, Michael MacDonald; his daughter, Carolyn Moore and husband, James; and his beloved grandsons, Thomas Moore and wife Sydney, Maximillian Moore and Michael Moore.

A celebration of Tom's life will take place at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, November 25, 2025, at Quinn McGowen Funeral Home in Wilmington, North Carolina. A reception will follow at Blue Water Grill, 4 Marina St, Wrightsville Beach, NC 28480, from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Shared memories and condolences may be sent to the family by selecting the Tribute Wall above.

Quinn McGowen Funeral Home of Wilmington is serving the family.

910-794-7171