FUNERAL HOME

Garden of Memories Funeral Home

4900 Airline Drive

Metairie, Louisiana

Joseph McDougal Obituary

McDOUGAL Joseph Randolph McDougal, Metairie, LA, died at home, with family at his side, on December 13, 2012, at 2:45 PM. He was born August 26, 1938, in Leaksville (now Eden), NC, to Joseph Elmo McDougal and Ruby Corinne (Ashworth) McDougal. After moving to Spindale, NC, in 1941, he attended Rutherford County Schools and was graduated from Rutherfordton-Spindale High School in 1956. He participated in drama and track, played tennis and football, and was a member of the Boy Scouts and Methodist Church Youth. He later became a member of the Spindale Masonic Lodge No. 673, Spindale, NC, where his father had been a member. From 1956 - 1958 he attended Georgia Tech in Atlanta, GA. He joined the US Air Force in 1958, reenlisted, and was honorably discharged in 1966. After training in airline mechanics, he worked on B47 bombers. As an airman in the 579th Strategic Missile Squadron, based in Roswell, NM, he received specialized cruise missile training in the Strategic Air Command. During the Cuban Missile Crisis he was instrumental in orienting missiles according to the north star. He and Trudy attended the 2008 reunion of the members of the 579th squadron. After completing military service he was employed by Interlake Steel Corporation, Chicago, IL, for many years. He worked first as a strapping machine installer and later as a US regional and international company representative to places all over the world. He learned Spanish for work in South American countries. Prior to his retirement he was employed by Pemco, Atlanta, GA. An avid reader, he compiled a library of books that he had read on long trips. He enjoyed golfing, fishing, listening to country music, eating delicious Louisiana cuisine, and cheering for the Saints. Joseph never met a stranger and made friends wherever he went. He was upbeat, positive and quick with witty retorts in social gatherings. Joseph was preceded in death by his parents and his brother Lawrence Glenn McDougal. Those left to cherish his memory include his devoted, love-of-his-life Trudy Jane Schmidt, his sister Charlotte and John Speltz, Apex, NC, his adopted daughter Corrie McDougal Valdez, Largo, FL and her 4 children, Linda (Schmidt) and Albert Baker, Houston, TX, several nephews and a niece. Pallbearers will be Brook Baker, Todd Baker, Edward Spahn, Wayne Toups, Raphus Adams and Johan Marcelin. The Garden of Memories Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. A memorial service will be held at 11:00 AM at the Garden of Memories Funeral Home, Metairie, LA . Visitation will take place from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM prior to the service. In lieu of flowers the family has requested memorials be sent to the Masonic Children's Home Oxford, NC, Make-A-Wish Foundation or to the charity of their choice.

Published by The Times-Picayune from Dec. 14 to Dec. 16, 2012.
34465541-95D0-45B0-BEEB-B9E0361A315A

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Memories and Condolences
for Joseph McDougal

Not sure what to say?





3 Entries

Deepest condolences to Mr. McDougal's son, Sgt. Joseph (Jay) Randolph McDougal Jr (born 1975), his wife Deb, and his sons Camden and Conrad. Our deepest sympathies to you and your family. We love you and support you! From your mom Barbara, your sister Sandy Dawson, her husband Kenny Dawson, your niece Angela Dawson, your brother Larry French and his wife Robin French.

Sandy Dawson

January 8, 2013

Dear Trudy,
Allen and I are sorry for your loss.
Please, know you are in our prayers.

Erin & Allen

December 16, 2012

MY DEAR FRIEND TRUDY I AM SO SORRY THAT I CANNOT BE WITH YOU TODAY. PLEASE KNOW THAT I DO VERY MUCH CARE AND WILL BE PRAYING FOR YOU AS YOU BURY ANOTHER DEARLY LOVED ONE.

GEORGIANA STEVENS

December 15, 2012

Showing 1 - 3 of 3 results

Make a Donation
in Joseph McDougal's name

Please consider a donation as requested by the family.

Memorial Events
for Joseph McDougal

To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can now have memorial trees planted in a National Forest in memory of your loved one.

Funeral services provided by:

Garden of Memories Funeral Home

4900 Airline Drive, Metairie, LA 70001

How to support Joseph's loved ones
Commemorate a cherished Veteran with a special tribute of Taps at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor Joseph McDougal's life and legacy
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more