Obituary: Fred “Tuck” McDonald, ADA Member for 45 Years

February 16, 2022

Dr. Fred Tucker McDonald , 76, of Pine Bluff, passed away on February 16, 2022 at the McClellan Veterans Hospital in Little Rock. He was born April 19, 1945 in Little Rock, Ark., to the late Ross and Virginia Light McDonald. He was raised in Benton, Ark., and graduated from Benton High School in 1963. He earned his Bachelor of Science degree at University of Arkansas in 1965, his Doctorate of Dental Surgery at The University of Tennessee College of Dentistry in 1968, and his Master of Science in Dentistry from Baylor University Orthodontic School in 1971.
Dr. McDonald served as a deacon at First Baptist Church in Pine Bluff, and he was a member of several civic and professional groups including the Pine Bluff Lions Club, Boy Scouts of America, American Dental Association, American Association of Orthodontics, and Arkansas Dental Association where he served as
president in 2004-2005. Colonel McDonald served his country in the United States Army National Guard for 32 years, where he completed two tours of duty overseas. Additionally, he served as an adjunct professor at the United States Army Command and General Staff College. Dr. McDonald enjoyed spending time outdoors hunting and fishing, but he was always happiest with his family,
especially his grandson Griffin.
Survivors include his loving and devoted wife of forty-five years, Julie Floyd McDonald; children, Cory McDonald (Samantha) of Rogers and Meredith Little (Stan) of Dahlonega, Georgia; grandson, Griffin Little; and brother, Mitchell McDonald of Benton.
A celebration of life service will be held at First Baptist Church in Pine Bluff on Monday, February 21st at 11 a.m. Interment will be at the Arkansas State Veterans Cemetery at a later date. Memorials may be made to The Alzheimer’s Association or Pine Bluff First Baptist Church. Arrangements by Smith Little Rock Funeral Home, 8801 Knoedl Court, Little Rock, Ark., 72205, (501) 224-2200. Sign Dr. McDonald’s online guestbook at  w.smithfamilycares.com.

About Billy Tarpley


Served as chief lobbyist for the dental association, which was established in 1887. Oversees all legal and regulatory matters, as well as publications, continuing dental education, conference planning and governance activities. Between 2005 and 2009, spent 4 years as Director of Development at Henderson State University (alma mater), but returned to the association in 2009.



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