John Dorsey Donaldson

So this is a post no one wants to write. My father has passed away. He fought with every ounce of energy he had until he was so exhausted and he passed the wheel over to God. I apologize for the long post, but I wanted all of you to know a little about the man that meant so much to so many.

Many of our friends and family from Maryland knew him as Sandy, Mr. D, coach Donaldson, umpire, Mr. Fix It or teammate. Many of you were coached by him or he coached against you. Several of you played in games that he umpired. He was never shy to jump into a pickup basketball game at Rock Crest Park.

He was an amazing role model to so many kids and parents in the Rockville area.

For those of you who knew him when he moved to Georgia, he was known as John, Mr. Donaldson or pop pops Sandy to all the grand kids that adored him even if they didn't always understand his ways. I'm not really sure why he stopped going by Sandy.

He was an incredibly proud and stubborn man, but all had good intentions. He was the most honest person I have ever met. He would not fudge, shortcut or lie to anyone about anything. Most found dad very entertaining, especially with his logic on how things needed to be done. He even once tried to share that with the Atlanta Braves management. Unfortunately, they didn't take his calls. We will always remember him for this. Dad recently started playing poker with a few friends from his new neighborhood. He loved playing, and he truly enjoyed his new friendships. Thanks to all of you for welcoming him and Audrey.

I'll finish by saying, all of us benefited from his hard, blue collar work ethic. He had the same trade his entire career as a body mechanic and so proud of what he could do. He was passionate about perfection. We were all incredibly blessed because he gave us his most valuable gift, his time. He was always there for us. First, to play in the yard and quick with life lessons. Dad was the best dad we could have ever asked for and he will be truly missed, but the values he instilled in us will take us through life. RIP, DAD, WE LOVE YOU.

He is survived by his wife Audrey; children Rick, Mike, Bryan and Debbie, stepchildren Neil and Pam; grandchildren, Tommy, Blake, Mikey, Faith, Morgan, Reece, Macie, Spencer, Ellie, Sierra, Hannah, Jonah, Eli, and Nathan; and great-grandchildren Lani, Cortland, Everette, Delaney & Rosie.

A memorial service celebrating his life will be held 11:00 AM on Friday, August 1, 2025 at Platt's Funeral Home, Belair Chapel, Reverend Greg Porterfield officiating.