Walton McDonald : Obituary

Mr. Walton “Walt” McDonald, age 81 of the Cartecay community, Ellijay, GA passed on Tuesday, July 9th, at his residence.He was born October 25th, 1931 to Alex and Jessie May White McDonald in Waverly, AL, the 5th of 6 children. His father died when he was 5 years old and his mother raised the children on her own.

He graduated from high school at Lyman Ward Academy in Camp Hill, AL and in 1952 joined the US Navy. After boot camp in San Diego he was assigned to the USS Whiteside, AKA 90, an armored transport servicing Japan and Korea. He crossed the Pacific Ocean 23 times and spent his four Navy years on the same ship where he developed life long friendships.

In 1955 he returned to Alabama and began classes at Auburn University, was employed by the USDA on campus at AU, and was a walk-on Auburn football player his freshman year. He married Patricia Roan McDonald and they raised four children in Auburn. He was active at Grace UMC, was a Scout leader, and served as President of the Auburn Jaycees.

In 1968 he left the USDA for a new job in Homestead, FL with the Agricultural Chemical Division of Sandoz International, working in research on a new herbicide known as Zorial. When the product was developed and labeled he was transferred to the Sales Division and in 1971 moved his family to Brandon, MS. He travelled the Mississippi Delta selling the new product and became known in the industry and by the Delta farmers as “Mr. Zorial”. In 1985 he was presented the Salesman of the Year award by Sandoz.
While living in Brandon he was active in the Crossgates Community, and an “almost” charter member of Crossgates UMC, joining in the very early stages of the church. He was the pitcher for many years for the Crossgates UMC softball team with a long running winning record.

In 1981 he married Margaret Quinn McDonald. After retiring from Sandoz he began his own company, Pro Maintenance, Inc., a lawn care and pest control company in the Rankin and Hinds county area. He specialized in athletic fields and cared for Memorial Stadium in Jackson, Jackson Prep fields, Brandon High School baseball field, and Pelahatchie High football fields. He loved working outdoors and was especially gifted with growing beautiful turf.

In 1996 he sold his company and retired to Ellijay, GA. He loved the mountains and his new home. He was a member at Cartecay UMC and especially enjoyed the Mens Club. He worked with the Gilmer County United Methodist Men and then led in forming the Cartecay UMM and served as President for several years. He loved gardening, traveling, fishing, and always a good meal. He has been described as a fine Southern gentleman.

He leaves behind his wife of 31 years, Maggie Quinn McDonald of the home in Ellijay; Daughters and sons-in-law Teresa M. and Scott Kirk, and Lisa and Dwight Randall, all of Auburn, AL, and Teena and Stu Smith, Colorado Springs, CO; Sons and daughters-in-law Scott and Deana McDonald, Maudeville, LA, and Robert and Krissy Alexander of Brandon, MS; 8 grandchildren; Sister and brother-in-law, Lorene M. and Joe Rowe, of Montgomery, AL; nieces, nephews, and great nieces and great nephews also survive.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00pm Friday, July 12th, 2013 from the Cartecay United Methodist Church with Rev. Rebecca Holmes, Rev. Sanford Willard, and speaker Royce Hughes. Pallbearers will be Don Messick, Frank Fordham, George Tolbert, Rod Thomas, Bill Deloney, and Mike Pilvinsky. The United Methodist Men will serve as honorary pallbearers. Music will be by Susan Hochkins and the Cartecay United Methodist Church Choir. Graveside interment will follow in the Cartecay UMC Cemetery.

The family will receive friends Thursday, July 11th from 4pm until 8pm at the Logan Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Cartecay UMC Building Fund, 7629 Highway 52 East, Ellijay, GA 30536 in memory of Mr. McDonald.