Donald Waddell

Donald Wayne Waddell was born in Grand Junction, Tennessee on January 22, 1952. Donald and his mother moved to Detroit Michigan, where he was rooted in the nurturing love of his mother and father Osie Nell and John Elmer Hill.  His parents preceded him in death. It was obvious from an early age that Donald had a rare blend of talents and skills, which continued to evolve throughout his life: whether playing the piano or the saxophone, playing chess, drawing, repairing cars, gardening, or solving complex mathematical problems, Donald seemed to excel effortlessly. 

Donald's academic excellence led him to Cass Technical High School, where he was a shining star among stars. He simultaneously began his journey as a co-op student in the architectural unit of General Motors. Upon graduation from high school in 1970, Donald received a full scholarship to The University of Michigan from Minoru Yamasaki, the renowned architect of New York's World Trade Center Twin Towers. In addition to his academic pursuits at U of M, Donald became a proud member of Kappa Alpha Psi fraternity, forming bonds he cherished for fifty years.

On August 26, 1978, Donald was joined in holy matrimony with Billie Annette Hatcher, and became the chosen father to two-year-old Oronde Camara Stokes. Exactly one year later, Ayana Kafi Waddell was born. Donald delighted in his family. He expressed this love through photography--capturing special moments, playful moments, unexpected moments. He was a dedicated husband and father who loved his family deeply and would go to any lengths to ensure that they were safe and cared for.

Anyone who knew Donald in the '80s knows that he worked at General Motors in the Argonaut department, while attending Lawrence Technological University to complete his degree. In a remarkable testament to his gifts, after building a kazillion scale models in his basement, he graduated with two bachelor's degrees in architecture. If this wasn't remarkable enough, more than a decade later he was surprised with a master’s in architecture because his degree path had been so intense, it was deemed the equivalent of their present-day master’s program.

In 1997, Donald started joyfully sharing his passion for landscaping and photography with his father, Arnell Everett. They not only bore a striking resemblance but also found happiness in similar pursuits.

After the birth of Oronde Stokes II on January 9, 2003, and Zara Layla Waddell Jordan on January 11, 2004, Donald's title shifted to Grandpa. After dedicating 33 years to GM, Don embraced a new chapter with heartfelt purpose, cherishing the role of picking up “Z” from school. He loved sharing this dedicated time with her, and she certainly became the apple of his eye. He couldn’t wait to tell anyone who'd listen about her sports, academic and life accomplishments. He loved her so much that after driving the same car for 21 years, he bought a NEW car specifically to drive Z around town.

On any given day, you might find Donald listening to jazz, sitting at his piano, playing the saxophone, listening to Paul Desmond’s “Take Five,” working out at the gym, sketching, knee deep in the garden, under his car, under the sink, watching baseball or taking pictures. It seemed his camera was simply another appendage to his body. And any neighbor of his will tell you that if the windows were ajar, you’d hear the piano keys that became the soundtrack of his life. He played what he could not articulate. It was how he celebrated, mourned, learned, and worshipped. And when he was really feeling good, he’d sing. Donald Wayne Waddell was a renaissance man. His benevolence was a clear reflection of his love for Christ, evident not just in his words but in his actions. 

Donald leaves to cherish and reflect on the plethora of happy memories and accomplishments: his children, Oronde Stokes and Ayana (TaJuan) Jordan; grandchildren, Oronde II and Zara; siblings: Deborah Folson, Duane Hill (Nita), Sharòn Hill; Richard Everett, Anthony Everett, ViLinda Everett, Veronica Bonner and Terrance Everett; his Hatcher “siblings,” and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, lifelong friends and neighbors.