CNBNews

February 27, 2002 - April 28, 2025

On April 28, 2025, Walter Ellis McDonald III, 23, Of Gloucester City.

Walter (aka Walt) died in a work-related accident, leaving all who knew him stunned and shocked by the sudden loss. He was welcomed into Heaven by the arms of his loving father, who adored him more than anything.

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Walter was the loving and devoted spouse of Kyleigh McDonald (nee Gibson), cherished son of Michelle Ferry-McDonald and the late Walter Ellis McDonald Jr., beloved brother of Brittany Lynn Helms and Brighton Lacy Helms, and little “sister” to Lana MacAdams. He was also the grandson of Carol Ferry (nee Schiavo).

Walter is predeceased by his paternal grandparents, Walter Ellis McDonald Sr, Helen Kathleen McDonald (nee Dilts), and his maternal grandfather, James E. Ferry Sr., who always playfully referred to him as “Eli”.

Walter leaves behind his adopted grandmothers, Debra Morgan, Maryanne Gibson aka “Bachi”, and Beth Renlund Gibson aka “Nanny”, and his adopted grandfather, David Gibson aka “Poppy”, as well as many Uncles, Aunts, cousins, and friends, all of whom he loved dearly.

Walter was afforded the opportunity to be homeschooled, allowing him to pursue the passions and interests that shaped him into the incredible man he had become.

Walter was passionate about volunteering from a very young age. Whenever he saw a need, his first instinct was to find a way to help fill it. As a result, he became involved in numerous projects over the years. When he turned 13, he connected with groups that not only provided opportunities for service but also helped him develop better leadership skills, enabling him to better serve his community.

Walter started training as a fire cadet right after he turned thirteen. His commitment earned him a jacket in his second year. At 16, he joined the Blackwood Terrace Junior Firefighter program and the NJ State Police Explorer program. He continued both until he graduated from high school.

With the hopes of serving our country as a U.S Marine, Walter joined the South Jersey Young Marines at the start of high school.. Upon his graduation from boot camp, Walter was awarded more ribbons than anyone the Unit Commander had ever pinned. His commitment to his Young Marine Unit earned him their Young Marine Award in 2017 and 2019. He graduated as a Staff Sergeant, a rank he had worked hard for.

At the start of high school, Walter became a founding member of the South Jersey Homeschool Key Club, a student-run organization that focuses on volunteer work. Their motto is, “Service Never Sleeps”, and that motto truly embodies who Walter was as a person. Ask anyone who has been the recipient of one of Walter's middle-of-the-night rescues. Walter served as the Vice President of the Key Club during the 2017-2018 school year. As a member of the club, he led several volunteer opportunities for the group that he initiated himself. In 2017, Walter created a service project for POW/MIA Recognition Day, which he invited his Young Marines Unit to participate in, as part of the SJHS Key Club. He felt that it was essential to raise awareness in his community, particularly given the scarcity of events commemorating the day in his area, so he opened the event to the public. He brought in a speaker and organized a formal Missing Man ceremony that he participated in with his fellow Young Marines. He invited those grieving loved ones to bring out pictures of family or friends who were POW or MIA so that they could be honored at a special table.

To commemorate the event, he stamped 100 dog tags with the letters POW/MIA to be given free to attendants so that they would be reminded of our prisoners of war and those still missing in action. He received an award from the District Kiwanis Club for this achievement. Also in 2017, the SJHS Key Club had to vote on a project for their club to focus on. Walters Project, Graveyard Guardians, won the vote and likewise received a grant to move forward with the project. It really bothered him when he learned that, oftentimes, the graves of those who served our country are overgrown with weeds and debris. He felt strongly that we should care about those who served, not just while they are living, but even after they are gone. He believed that we can show respect and honor for those who served our country by regularly tending their graves.

As a Patriot who cared deeply for his country, Walter had been serving his area every September 11 by gathering with his community to place 2,997 American flags at the Pennsauken Township 9/11 Memorial honoring each person who lost their lives during the attacks. Walter earned the Presidential Gold Award for volunteering as well as the Servant Leadership award. 

Besides organized group volunteering, Walter volunteered at church from the time he was old enough. With the call of the Lord on his life, he blew the Shofar, ministered with Flags as a part of Cavalry for Calvary, and played drums in the worship band. When Walter lost his father in 2020, he chose not to pursue his career in the military. He wanted to take care of his family and be close to them. He eventually pursued his dream of being a diesel mechanic and started his career with United Rentals, where he worked until the end of his life.

Walter met the love of his life, Kyleigh, at 16 when they were serving as volunteer firefighters. He committed his life to her and loved her with all of his heart. Together, they planned and executed their wedding. True to his nature, he chose a place that would benefit veterans and had his wedding at Freedom Park, where donations would support Operation Safe Haven.

Walter was wise beyond his years and had a lifetime of accomplishments in his 23 short years of life. Married to Kyleigh since 2022, Walter took pride in becoming a homeowner and rebuilding their house to make it a home. He was a hard worker, a man of strong faith, courage, loyalty, commitment, leadership, and dedication. Walter was a true man of valor and honor.

Relatives and friends are kindly invited to Walt’s visitation on Sunday, May 4 th from 10 AM to 1 PM at the McCANN-HEALEY FUNERAL HOME, 851 Monmouth St., Gloucester City, where funeral services will be held at 1 PM. Interment will be private.

In lieu of flowers, donations to his wife, Kyleigh, would be most appreciated as she navigates life without her husband.