Born August 13, 1942, William Donaldson, also known as "Tobe," was the eighth child born to Nathaniel "Bud" Donaldson and Mary Lou Nance-Donaldson in Humboldt, Tennessee. He accepted Christ at an early age at Morning Star Baptist Church in Humboldt, Tennessee and later moved to Detroit, Michigan where he attended True Love Missionary Baptist Church. Upon his relocation to Mississippi, he moved his membership to Saint Peter Missionary Baptist Church where he retained his membership until his death.

William was a dedicated worker for Ford Motor Company in Dearborn, Michigan. He retired after 30 years of service as an electrical engineer.

On November 20, 1973, he united in Holy Matrimony to Shirley Magee-Varner. To this union, their blended family was united.

On March 25, 2020, the Lord called His humble servant home. He leaves to cherish his memories: a devoted wife, Shirley Donaldson; and seven children, William "Junior" Donaldson of Oak Park, Michigan, Desmon Donaldson (Jerri) of Southfield, Michigan, Shun Donaldson (Sonya) of Bloomfield, Michigan, Felecia Gregory (Jeffery) of Mendenhall, Mississippi, Roshann Samuels of Winchester, California, Marcus Varner of Mendenhall, Mississippi, and Damon Donaldson of Detroit, Michigan. Others left to cherish his memory include two loving sisters, Ernie Bonds (Thomas) of St. Louis, Missouri and Juana Price (Isiah) of Humboldt, Tennessee; eleven grandchildren; six great grandchildren; a special nephew, Donald Ray Harrell (Shelia) of Memphis, Tennessee; and a host of nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.

William was preceded in death by his parents, Nathaniel and Mary Lou Donaldson; brothers, Sammy Donaldson, Jimmy Donaldson, Robert "Bobby" Donaldson, and J.D. Donaldson; and sisters, Doris Ann Harrell and Margaret Hawkins.