Billy Marvin Donaldson was born on March 6, 1936 in Valliant, OK, the son of George W. Donaldson and Mable (Trusty) Donaldson. Bill (Marvin) departed this life on November 5, 2022, at the age of 86 years, 7 months and 30 days in Palm Bay, Florida.

Bill (Marvin) enlisted with the US Marine Corps on March 23, 1954 at the age of 18. His career as a Marine advanced quickly, completing NCO Leadership Training (1958), Paratrooper (1960) and Patrolling Instructor (1965). Bill married Shizue Nakasone in Naha, Okinawa on February 19, 1959. The young family mostly lived in California until the beginning of the Vietnam War. Bill was assigned to Team 61, 6 ^th Platoon, 1 ^st Force Recon, based out of Dong Ha. On August 8, 1966, Bill's Recon Team (Groucho Marx) and a Reaction Force came under heavy attack by the North Vietnamese Army. During the battle, a grenade landed by a WIA Marine. Without a thought, Bill picked up the grenade and threw it back at the enemy. The grenade exploded as it left his hand, leaving Bill wounded on his right arm, shoulder and head. The Marine Corps honored Sgt. Bill Donaldson with The Navy Cross, Bronze Star and Purple Heart for risking his life to save his men. Bill and his family moved back to the Atoka area to pursue his interests and became a successful racehorse owner and trainer. Bill always enjoyed his family fishing trips, the Donaldson's annual reunions and spending time with his family and grandchildren. Bill will be deeply missed by his family, sisters and brother, extended relatives and friends.

Quotes from Sherman Bledsoe, Portrait of Patriots "If you don't know Bill Donaldson, you should, as this is truly a great man and is definitely a Patriot."

Bill was preceded in death by his wife, Shizue (Nakasone) Donaldson; his parents; six brothers, Edward Donaldson, Floyd Donaldson, Orval Donaldson, Nelson Donaldson, Benny Donaldson and Jessie Donaldson; also, two sisters, Gracie Donaldson and Delva Ellingboe.

Survivors include his one daughter, Linda Bostick and husband, Paul of Stillwater, OK; two sons, James Donaldson and wife, Cindy of Knoxville, TN and Tim Donaldson and wife, Leah of Melbourne, FL; two sisters, Mary Johnston of Valliant, OK and Geraldine Wiggins of Mena, AR; one brother, Wilburn Donaldson of Valliant, OK; grandchildren, Katie Donaldson, Samuel Donaldson, Chris Donaldson and Benjamin Donaldson; several nieces and nephews; along with many other relatives and friends.