William Paul Donaldson died on August 12, 2016. He was born in Pittsburg, Pa. and lived there until 1992 when he retired to Farmville.

He is survived by his wife of 50 years, Shirley Coleman Donaldson; his brother, John Boyce Donaldson of Naples, Fla.; numerous nieces and nephews; “honorary nieces and nephew,” Marion Haupt Wolf of Leesburg, Kathy Haupt, Mary Jo Haupt Goldcamp (Joe) of Pittsburgh, Pa. and Michael Haupt (Pam) of Carlisle, Pa.; and special nephews-in-law, Byron Baker (Judy), Barry Baker (Sharon) of Richmond and Stephen Baker (Kristi) of Powhatan. He was preceded in death by his parents, Walter Foster and Nan Swaringen Donaldson, two brothers, Walter Foster Donaldson Jr. and Joseph Van Donaldson, and two sisters, Sarah D. Stoll and Nancy D. Clarke.

Mr. Donaldson attended Thiel College in Pennsylvania and spent his entire career in the insurance industry and was owner of a commercial insurance agency for 25 years before retirement.

After he retired he became an avid gardener, woodsman, reader of classic fiction and poetry, in fact committing to memory many poems for later reference.

Thanks go to the caregivers at The Woodland for special care, compassion and yes, some fun during the last years of his life.

Mr. Donaldson died at age 90, a life well lived.

There will be no public viewing or service.

Shorter Funeral Home, Farmville, is serving the family. www.shorterfuneralhome.com