R.L. Donaldson, DVM

Mr. R.L. Donaldson, DVM, age 90 of Carthage, TN and the oldest practicing Veterinarian in TN, passed away Tuesday, April 23, 2013 at Sumner Regional Medical Center in Gallatin, TN.Dr. Donaldson was born June 16, 1922 in the Peterman Bend Community of Clay County, TN the son of the late John Humphrey Donaldson and Winnie Gertrude Davis. He was also preceded in death by Two Brothers; William Allen Donaldson and Albert Marshall Donaldson. He married Belle Crawford Donaldson on July 25, 1952 and she preceded him in death on November 18, 2002. He was a member of the Carthage United Methodist Church, V.F.W., and the Masonic Lodge. He attended TN Technological University from 1940 to 1943. Dr. Donaldson volunteered for the U.S. Army on April 26, 1943 and served until December 10, 1945, earning two bronze stars while serving seventeen months in Europe. After returning from WWII, he returned to TN Technological University and received his Bachelor of Science Degree in Agriculture in August of 1946. He received his Master’s Degree in Agriculture from the University of Tennessee at Knoxville in December of 1947. After receiving his Master’s Degree, he taught Veterans at Columbia, TN and then Agriculture at Shelbyville, TN. He then attended Auburn University where he received his Doctor of Veterinarian Degree in June 1954. He first practiced Veterinarian Medicine at Gallatin from June of 1954 until February of 1955, when he began his practice in Carthage, TN. He loved working in Carthage, having treated all types of animals from large to small. Dr. Donadson was an avid Auburn fan and loved being around people.Dr. Donaldson is survived by Five Children; David Donaldson of Memphis, TN, Frances Donaldson of Carthage, TN, John Donaldson of Carthage, TN, Allen (Catherine) Donaldson of Brentwood, TN, and Mark Donaldson of Florence, AL. Four Grandchildren; Rion (Brandon) Rigsby, Seth (Abby) Dias, Dona Donaldson, and Nicolae Donaldson. Five Great Grandchildren; Brennan Rigsby, Clayton Rigsby, Cohen Rigsby, Reagan Dias, and Bryant Dias. Funeral Services for Dr. Donaldson are scheduled to be conducted 1PM, Friday, April 26, 2013 at the Carthage United Methodist Church. Bro. Stephen Lee will officiate and Interment will follow in the Smith County Memorial Gardens.Visitation with the Donaldson family will be at the Carthage Chapel of Bass Funeral Homes on Thursday from 4PM to 8PM and on Friday at the Cartage United Methodist Church from 11AM until service time at 1PM.The Donaldson family request that memorials be made to the American Cancer Society or the Carthage United Methodist Church.

R.L. Donaldson, DVM

June 16, 1922 - April 23, 2013