WINDER – James Ray McDonald, 83, passed away on Sunday, June 12, 2016.
Mr. McDonald was born in Statham, the son of the late Walter A. McDonald and Mae Greenway McDonald. Mr. McDonald was a retired engineer with the Georgia Department of Transportation, and along with his wife and two sons, operated a successful cattle farm. Mr. McDonald was a member of the Union Baptist Church in Winder, the Crusader Sunday School Class, the Jackson County Cattleman’s Association, and the DOT Retiree’s Association. Mr. McDonald was a veteran of the United States Army serving in Germany. Mr. McDonald was preceded in death by his infant daughter, Mae Allene McDonald; brothers, Alan McDonald, William McDonald, Fred McDonald; and step-mother, Ollie Austin McDonald.
Survivors include his wife of 57 years, Betsy Hays McDonald, Winder; sons, Jimmy McDonald and his wife Anne, Winder, and Andy McDonald and his wife Stephanie, Winder; four grandchildren, Beth, Susan, Will, and Charlie; five nieces; and three nephews.
The funeral service will be held on Wednesday, June 15, at a.m., in the Union Baptist Church with Dr. Rusty Newman and Dr. David Cook officiating. The burial will follow in the Union Baptist Church Cemetery with John Hays, Chris Hays, Mike Simmons, Shea Miller, Justin Bailey, and Roger Mathis honored as pallbearers. The visitation will be held Tuesday evening, June 14, from 6 to 8 p.m. at the funeral home.
Evans Funeral Home, Jefferson, is in charge of arrangements.
Online condolences at www.evansfuneralhomeinc.com