Roger Donaldson

Roger Donaldson, 67, of Bessemer City, NC, died peacefully at his home on April 25, 2020, after a battle with colon cancer and other medical illness. Roger was born in Mecklenburg County, NC, on July 8, 1952, the son of William and Lila Wilson Donaldson. Roger grew up in Charlotte, NC, one of five children born to Bill and Lila. The family recalls that although they didn't have much in material things back then and had some rough times, there was never a shortage in love. During birth Roger suffered a brain injury which caused partial paralysis on his right side. Yet Roger didn't allow this difference to his physical body hold him back in anyway. Others may have noticed especially if it came to a handshake or noticing he had a slight limp when he walked. He did everything any kid did growing up. He could left arm slam a ball and be one of the best on any team. He rode bikes and played anything the rest of the kids did. He went to work in the cotton mills very young and spent most of his life there and in the hosiery mills. He was always a favored and dependable employee. He worked as a parts runner with a plumbing company. Just prior to retiring he was managing a small outlet store of a larger furniture store in Charlotte. He was always well liked by any who met him. With friends he could be the life of the party. He could keep the jokes coming. He was always trick joking his family and friends and make you believe something and get you every time before letting on. Causing you to wonder how did I let him do that again. He had one of the sharpest memories going. If you had any trouble recalling anything just "ask Roger" whether it was a song or actor, event or joke. He had a mechanical nack and could fix about any household appliance, radio, TV and etc. Roger had two loves in life. Janice Smith and Cathy Truett. He and Cathy had a daughter April. He was loved like a Dad and felt the same token for Kitty Fauser, one of Janice's children. Early on he became a single parent to April. She and her children Nathan (Nate-Nate) and Kristyn were his treasures. He also loved his little dog, Lucy. After retiring he liked to flea market and thrift shop, and is responsible for his other brother Monty taking it up as a hobby. Roger will be mourned and missed by our family and all who knew and loved him. Roger is survived by daughter April (and husband Billy-Bob) William Linton of Bessemer City, NC and her two children Nathan and Kristyn Holmes, two sisters: Cathy (husband Kirby) Johnson of Bessemer City, NC, and Teena Donaldson of Concord, NC. Roger is further survived by numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; his sister Christie Donaldson and brother Monty Donaldson. Roger’s family has given the family of Lowe-Neddo Funeral Home the privilege of caring for him and for them. Due to current social distancing guidelines, a graveside service for the family will take place at 2:00 PM on Tuesday, April 28, at Sunset Memory Gardens, 8901 Lawyers Road, Charlotte, NC 28227. After the service the family will host any friends and family at the home of Kirby and Cathy Johnson, 431 White Jenkins Road, Bessemer City, NC 28016.

Roger Donaldson

July 8, 1952 - April 25, 2020