Channel 7 Household mourns lack of long-time photographer Marcus McDonald

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (KATV) — Long-time KATV Channel 7 photographer Marcus McDonald died Thursday after a battle with small cell lung most cancers.

For over 41 years, Marcus McDonald helped Arkansas see itself.

The Magnolia native joined the Circle 7 household in 1983 and would go on to be chief photographer. Marcus constructed a profession that had him protecting Friday evening soccer and Razorback video games to presidential campaigns, breaking information and the on a regular basis moments that mattered most to the individuals who name Arkansas house.

To Marcus, the job was at all times concerning the individuals in entrance of the digicam.

“I had the same joy in Little Rock that I could have in Dallas, Atlanta, anywhere else because of the people I met and the folks I came into contact with,” McDonald as soon as mentioned. “There’s some beautiful people in this state, and everybody’s got a story to tell. And it was my job to tell it.”

McDonald had a present for making everybody really feel snug and discovering the center of a narrative.

For many at KATV, Marcus was a lot greater than only a colleague. He was a trainer and mentor who confirmed generations of younger journalists how you can speak to individuals, work laborious and strategy the job with coronary heart and a smile.

His many years of labor earned him quite a few honors, together with the Midwest Regional Emmy Silver Circle Award, which acknowledges people who’ve made vital contributions to the tv trade.

Even are Marcus battled lung most cancers, he selected to share his story in hope of encouraging different who have been dealing with tough circumstances.

“I want people to know that no matter what you’re going through, God’s got the last word,” McDonald mentioned. “No matter what comes your way, it’s gonna be alright.”

Beyond his profession, McDonald’s best delight was his household — his spouse, Renee, their youngsters and grandchildren — and his religion.

He additionally served as an affiliate pastor at Greater Archview Baptist Church, leaving an affect on the neighborhood that prolonged far past the tales he helped inform.

For those that labored alongside him and knew him personally, McDonald can be remembered not just for the work he did, however for the best way he handled the individuals round him.

“If it blesses somebody else, help you, help your children, help your husband, I’ve done what God asked me to do,” McDonald mentioned.

Marcus McDonald was 69.