Donald "Mac" MacDonald

Donald James MacDonald, 89, of Myrtle Beach, died peacefully in his home surrounded by his family. He was born June 14, 1930 in Germantown/Philadelphia, Pennsylvania to the late Chester A. MacDonald and Margaret Macus MacDonald. He was a faithful husband, a supportive father, and a proud and loving grandfather. Upon graduation from high school at the age of 17, he enlisted in the United States Air Force. Achieving the rank of Master Sergeant, he served his country honorably in many locations from 1947 until 1968. After his retirement from the Air Force at Myrtle Beach Air Base, he managed the Beach View Motel for the Spadoni family for approximately 6 years and then became a letter carrier with the United States Postal Service, where he served for over 20 years. As a postman he developed close relationships with his customers and always had a treat for the children and grandchildren on his route. He earned an Associate Degree from USC – Coastal, and was proud that all three of his children graduated college and obtained post graduate degrees. He loved and was loved by his grandchildren, Daniel and Mattie. Pop Pop taught them many things, including sprinkler repair (Daniel) and the love of salami (Mattie). His hobbies included golf, gardening, yard work, tinkering, and stamp and coin collecting. Fallen leaves and weeds in the yard were the bane of his existence. Don and Sarah enjoyed taking couples trips to the mountains to play golf with the Akels and the Carriers. He was a fixture at the locals’ table at Akel’s, was an Atlanta Braves fan, and never liked the fact that they traded Martin Prado. He was a Free Mason, former deacon at First Baptist Church, and former volunteer fireman with the Myrtle Beach Fire Department. An accomplished fast pitch softball pitcher, he joyfully coached the ladies softball team at First Baptist Church of Myrtle Beach for many years. Pop Pop had a heart for people in need, especially children, and fellow veterans. He spent many years working in the nursery at First Baptist Church. He lived out his faith in Jesus Christ by “doing unto the least of these.” Mac was preceded in death by his parents, a stepmother Edna MacDonald, a brother, Chet MacDonald, and a sister, Charlotte Richter. He is survived by his wife of 67 years, Sarah Pettit MacDonald; his sisters, Gloria Yencho, June Croll and Lorraine Haynes; his children, Deborah M. Elliott (Robert) of Hillsboro, Oregon, Mary M. Cordray (William) of Hilton Head, S.C, and Daniel J. MacDonald (Susan) of Myrtle Beach; two grandchildren, whom he adored, Daniel MacDonald, Jr. and SaraMadeline (Mattie) MacDonald, two great grandchildren, Sanna Ferry and Sadie Ferry, and numerous nieces and nephews. The family would like to thank Joe and Lila Akel for their years of friendship; his niece Diane Croll who blessed him with care during his last illness; and caregivers Hazel Simmons, Gwen Goodman, Martha Thompson and Ann Gallagher for their loving attention. McMillan-Small Funeral Home is serving the family. Funeral services will be Wednesday, October 2, 2019 at 1:00 pm at McMillan and Small, with interment immediately following at Hillcrest Cemetery, Pastor Bruce Crawford and Dr. Wayne Brown will be officiating. The family will receive friends from 5:30 pm until 7:00 pm on Tuesday, October 1, 2019 at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers the family suggests donations to a charity of the donor’s choice, especially for the care and comfort of children in need or veterans, First Baptist Church of Myrtle Beach, or Heartland Hospice Memorial Fund.

Donald "Mac" MacDonald

June 14, 1930 - September 29, 2019