Vernon Paul McDonald, Sr.

Vernon Paul McDonald, Sr., age 89 of New Bern, NC passed away on August 28, 2026.

Born on July 27, 1937 in Raeford, NC, he was the child of Janie Sellers and Colon McDonald. Paul was raised in Scotland County, NC and graduated from Laurel Hill High School. After graduation, he joined the US Marine Corps. He then worked for Winn Dixie, owned Paul's Butcher Shop and worked for the Department of Agriculture before he retired in 2019. He was a member of the Masonic Lodge, the Shriners and a former member of the Elks Lodge and the Moose Lodge.

Paul married Ramona in 1959 and together they shared 67 wonderful years. Known for his love of family, honesty, kind heart, dedication to anything that he did, Paul enjoyed time with family, fishing, hunting, cruising and playing golf.

He is survived by his wife, Ramona Robbins McDonald; five children: Debbie Cutler, Audrey Rodgers, Paul McDonald, Jr. (Teresa), Wendy McDonald and Heather Thornburg (Greg); fourteen grandchildren: Joshua Tripp, Kayla McDonald, Kendra Brooks, Markus Brooks, Donavan Becton, Molly Thornburg, Jack Thornburg, PJ McDonald, Wyatt McDonald, Matthew McDonald, Danielle Stalls, Crystal Nutt, Sarah Girod and Katie Rawls; three great-grandchildren: Natalie Tripp, Aiden Tripp and Aubree McDonald.

A private celebration of life will be held by the family.

Bennett Funeral & Cremation Care is honored to serve the family and friends of Vernon Paul McDonald, Sr.