Howard C. McDonald

Tupelo - Howard C."Mac" McDonald Sr., 75, died Wednesday, January 28, 2009, at his residence after an extended illness. A Tupelo native and lifelong resident, he was born March 16, 1933 to W C. and Robbie Lola Sykes McDonald. After serving active duty with the U.S. Army, he worked for J.P. Lollar Co. and Wonder Bread wile completeing his bachelors degree at Mississippi State University. He continued his military service in the Mississippi National Guard and U.S. Air Force Reserves from which he retired in 1984. He started a career with the Mississippi State Auditor's Ofice under auditor Hamp King, retiring in 1997. He was a longtime member of First Baptist Church of Tupelo and also a 332nd degree Mason, Shriner, and Scottish Rite. He enjoyed farming and loved his family and animals dearly.

Services will be 1 p.m. Friday at The Jefferson Street Chapel of W. E. Pegues with Rev. Dave Jensen officiating. Burial with military honors will be in Tupelo Memorial Park.

Survivors include his wife of 57 years, Ruth Tallent McDonald; one son, Clay McDonald and one daughter, Teresa Smith, all of Tupelo; five grandchildren, Justin Smith and Jessica Smith, both of Tupelo, Heather McDonald of Olive Branch, Leah McDonald of Tupelo and Carie McDonald of Olive Branch; and one great-grandson, Thomas Joel Smith of Tupelo.

He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Robert T. McDonald.

Pallbearers will be Dicky Hudson, Justin Smith, Tim Couch, Phil Richey, Wayne Turner, Bob McDonald, and David Florek.

Memorials may be made to Baptist Children's Village, P.O. Box 27, Clinton MS 39060; St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 1 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105; or The Juvinile Diabetes Association, 120 Wall Street, 19th Floor, New York, NY 10005.