Frank Bartow McDonald III
1940 - 2025
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If Frank Bartow McDonald III (85) were narrating his obituary, he'd start by saying how brief it was going to be, and twenty minutes later, he'd reach this part—that he was born in Waycross, GA, to two remarkable people: a former flapper-turned-schoolteacher (Georgia Anne Allen) and a small-town attorney (Frank B. McDonald Jr.).
"Butch," as he was known in his youth, loved fishing, hunting, playing the piano and guitar, and being with people. To wit, he studied at Emory University until he was invited not to return one semester. He later graduated from FSU, where he served as chair of the social committee at Kappa Alpha Fraternity.
After college, Frank's adventurous spirit led him to attend and graduate (just barely) from Officer Training School. He served in Vietnam in the U.S. Navy as a Lieutenant JG aboard the USS Chesterfield County (LST-551). One of his contributions to the U.S. Navy was helping to acquire a live alligator from the Okefenokee Swamp that was given as a gift to Vice Admiral John "Gator" McCain Jr., who named it "Spike" and brought it with him on his ships.
Frank's love of the Navy and ships translated into an entrepreneurial career in the maritime business for most of his working years. In his 60s, he discovered a passion for making copper art in the ancient technique of repujado and became a full-time wildlife artist, represented by seven galleries across the Southeast.
As a prolific and hilarious storyteller who never took himself too seriously, he delighted in making up unflattering stories about himself—especially for those who considered themselves superior. As such, and for the record, Frank did not learn his art technique in prison, and none of his grandchildren were held back in school.
He flourished most when he was outdoors with friends and family. His time and relationships along the Crooked River at Harriet's Bluff, GA, were sacred to him. Sunday afternoon calls with his children and grandchildren were also important. Often, these would include many of the adventures and mishaps he experienced while making art, woodworking, building boats, singing in the choir, fidgeting around in duck blinds, chasing redfish, or working on population control with the felines that invaded the solitude of his home across from the Market Basket grocery store. At the end of every call, he was intentional about reminding them of his deep love and just how proud he was of them.
In his gun cabinet was a lanyard with 17 chips strung on it, representing the last 17 years of his life as a faithful member of Alcoholics Anonymous. Over these years, he sponsored dozens of younger men on their journeys of recovery and encouraged them to greater faith in God.
His ability to find humor in even the worst situations, paired with his keen observations and impish disposition, will be deeply missed. The memories, often created with his children—trekking into the marsh to find and bring home the annual Christmas tree, planting a garden every Good Friday, gatherings at the Bluff house over decades for Thanksgiving meals, dancing whenever live music played, playing guitar, traveling the world, hunting in Africa, and other "crystal moments," as he called them—are a source of joy and comfort with the passing of our family's patriarch.
His parents and his sister, Beverly Goff, preceded him in death. He is survived by his devoted wife and partner of 35 years, Jenell McDonald; his son, Frank "Bartow" McDonald IV (Laura) of Ocklawaha, FL; his daughter, Tayloe McDonald (Zach Shafer) of Jacksonville, FL; grandsons William "Drake" McDonald (Esther), Frank "Mac" B. McDonald V, Trusten "Stiles" McDonald of Ocala, FL, and William "Sheldon" White of Tampa, FL; great-granddaughter, Camilla McDonald; niece, Georgia Duke; nephew, Chandler Goff (Courtney); and loved ones Keitline and Bartley Manuel, Danilynn Romero, Quinley Romero, Kenneth Manuel, and Aubree Manuel.
A memorial service will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Saturday, December 13th, at St. Michael and All Angels Episcopal Church in Lake Charles, LA.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.
"Butch," as he was known in his youth, loved fishing, hunting, playing the piano and guitar, and being with people. To wit, he studied at Emory University until he was invited not to return one semester. He later graduated from FSU, where he served as chair of the social committee at Kappa Alpha Fraternity.
After college, Frank's adventurous spirit led him to attend and graduate (just barely) from Officer Training School. He served in Vietnam in the U.S. Navy as a Lieutenant JG aboard the USS Chesterfield County (LST-551). One of his contributions to the U.S. Navy was helping to acquire a live alligator from the Okefenokee Swamp that was given as a gift to Vice Admiral John "Gator" McCain Jr., who named it "Spike" and brought it with him on his ships.
Frank's love of the Navy and ships translated into an entrepreneurial career in the maritime business for most of his working years. In his 60s, he discovered a passion for making copper art in the ancient technique of repujado and became a full-time wildlife artist, represented by seven galleries across the Southeast.
As a prolific and hilarious storyteller who never took himself too seriously, he delighted in making up unflattering stories about himself—especially for those who considered themselves superior. As such, and for the record, Frank did not learn his art technique in prison, and none of his grandchildren were held back in school.
He flourished most when he was outdoors with friends and family. His time and relationships along the Crooked River at Harriet's Bluff, GA, were sacred to him. Sunday afternoon calls with his children and grandchildren were also important. Often, these would include many of the adventures and mishaps he experienced while making art, woodworking, building boats, singing in the choir, fidgeting around in duck blinds, chasing redfish, or working on population control with the felines that invaded the solitude of his home across from the Market Basket grocery store. At the end of every call, he was intentional about reminding them of his deep love and just how proud he was of them.
In his gun cabinet was a lanyard with 17 chips strung on it, representing the last 17 years of his life as a faithful member of Alcoholics Anonymous. Over these years, he sponsored dozens of younger men on their journeys of recovery and encouraged them to greater faith in God.
His ability to find humor in even the worst situations, paired with his keen observations and impish disposition, will be deeply missed. The memories, often created with his children—trekking into the marsh to find and bring home the annual Christmas tree, planting a garden every Good Friday, gatherings at the Bluff house over decades for Thanksgiving meals, dancing whenever live music played, playing guitar, traveling the world, hunting in Africa, and other "crystal moments," as he called them—are a source of joy and comfort with the passing of our family's patriarch.
His parents and his sister, Beverly Goff, preceded him in death. He is survived by his devoted wife and partner of 35 years, Jenell McDonald; his son, Frank "Bartow" McDonald IV (Laura) of Ocklawaha, FL; his daughter, Tayloe McDonald (Zach Shafer) of Jacksonville, FL; grandsons William "Drake" McDonald (Esther), Frank "Mac" B. McDonald V, Trusten "Stiles" McDonald of Ocala, FL, and William "Sheldon" White of Tampa, FL; great-granddaughter, Camilla McDonald; niece, Georgia Duke; nephew, Chandler Goff (Courtney); and loved ones Keitline and Bartley Manuel, Danilynn Romero, Quinley Romero, Kenneth Manuel, and Aubree Manuel.
A memorial service will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Saturday, December 13th, at St. Michael and All Angels Episcopal Church in Lake Charles, LA.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Frank Bartow McDonald III, please visit our flower store.
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