John "Mac" McDonald

Wrens, GA  – John Royce “Mac” McDonald, Jr., 68, loving husband of 41 years to Ruth Evans McDonald,  entered into rest Monday evening, November 10, 2014 at Georgia Regents Medical Center. Funeral services will be held in the James Funeral Home Chapel at 2:00PM Friday, November 14, 2014 with Reverend Jason Burton officiating. Interment will follow in the Wrens Church of God Cemetery.

One of five children born to the late Flossie Arrington McDonald and the late John “Royce” McDonald, Sr., Mac was a lifelong resident of Wrens where he was a member of Wrens Church of God. A carpenter by trade, he loved working with wood. He enjoyed fishing and went on church fishing trips until his health declined. Being a huge NASCAR fan, his favorite driver was Dale Earnhardt—Sr. and then Jr. A car buff, he owned a classic Ford and collected car/truck memorabilia. Mac also enjoyed watching eagles and had an extensive eagle collection. Mac was known for his engaging smile. Being a gregarious person, Mac loved people and liked making them laugh—he wanted everyone happy. Most of all, he loved his family who brought him great joy.  Mac’s unique personality and warm smile will be greatly missed by all who knew him. Death leaves us a heartache no one can heal but love leaves memories no one can steal.

Mac is also preceded in death by his son, James Brasher; brother, Gerald McDonald; two grandchildren, Angel Brasher and Amy Michelle Watts; and one great-great granddaughter, Amaiya Jackson. Other survivors include his children, Andy McDonald, Becky Morris, Billy Brasher and Charlotte Clark;  three siblings, S. J. McDonald (Libby), Iris Padgett (Troyce) and Sybil Etterle; eleven grandchildren, Teri Watts, Toby Watts, Tina Watts, Walter Ray Watts, James Brasher, Natalie Brasher, Jonathan Brasher, Ashley Brasher, Tony Watts, Timothy Watts and Douglas Watts; fifteen great grandchildren; one great-great grandchild; many cousins, nieces, nephews and friends.  Pallbearers will be Jerry McDonald, ‘Lil Jerry McDonald, Greg McDonald, Tracy Dixon, Dennis Wheeler, Terry Murrah, Nick Atkinson and Michael Thomson.

The family will receive friends at James Funeral Home from 6:00-8:00PM Thursday evening, November 13, 2014.

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Letting Go

The angles gathered near your bed
So very close to you
For they knew the pain and suffering
That you were going through.

I thought about so many things
As I held tightly to your hand.
Oh, how I wished that you were strong
And healthy once again.

But your eyes were looking homeward
To that place beyond the sky
Where Jesus held his outstretched arms
It was time to say “Good-bye”.

I struggled with my selfish thoughts
For I wanted you to stay
So we could walk and talk again
Like we did just yesterday.

But Jesus knew the answer
And I know He loved you so
So I gave to you the greatest gift—
The gift of letting go.

Now my heart will carry memories
Of the love you gave to me
Until we meet again in Heaven
Where the best is yet to be.

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