Ranald MacDonell

MACDONNELL, Ranald

Joseph

"My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever." Psalm 73:26,

Ranald Joseph MacDonell, age 63, passed away peacefully, surrounded by his loving family: Alison, his wife of 39 years; children, Kaitlyn (Brandon), Peter (Ashley), and Kelly. He was blessed with grandchildren: William, who inherited "Boppa's" prankish humor, and Nora, with her joyful demeanor. Ranald was preceded in death by his parents, Kenneth and MaryAnn; and his eldest brother, Kenneth. He is survived by his mother-in-love, Janice; and siblings, Helen, Michael, Patricia, MaryBeth, and MaryAnn.

Born in Garden City, Michigan, on October 8, 1961, Ranald reigned as "baby brother" to six older siblings. His fearless personality quickly emerged, from escaping his crib to jumping off furniture. Eventually—yet gallantly—Ranald scaled the garage with an umbrella as his parachute. He joined much older brothers for neighborhood games, rode perched on the handlebars of his sister's bike, and gave rides to adult neighbors in the family's rickshaw. Thinking organized activities would be safer, Ranald enlisted in PeeWee football. He later played quarterback for the Garden City H.S. East Panthers, which began a lifelong passion for the game and forged lasting relationships.

Ranald attended Michigan State University, where he met the love of his life—Alison Hughes. In his quest to win her over, he focused on building a meaningful career, evolving from forklift operator to sales, where he discovered his true niche. The couple married in 1986 and made several career moves together, building a life in Cincinnati, St. Louis, Kentucky, and eventually Atlanta, their home for the past 27 years.

Though illness brought Ranald's career to a premature end in 2015, his career began as a humble ADVO warehouse worker. His grit and determination fueled a meteoric rise from warehouse to RVP; at Valpak-Atlanta, Director of Sales, to VP of Targeted Media for The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. In an adventurous move, he took ownership as President of RJM Direct Marketing, Inc. and with his partner, restored profitability to Valpak Chicagoland.

Countless friends, family, and colleagues will remember Ranald for his energetic leadership, good humor, generosity, and faithfulness to his family and his God. He revered Alison for creating a loving home and introducing him to the Lord. As members of North Point Community Church, Ranald volunteered his time teaching and served on the Board of Camp Highland, having loved camping with his children. He cherished beach trips, golfing, cheering on his sports teams, and maintaining a perfectly manicured lawn.

In his final days, he leaned on his wife, family, friends, and his faith. He often said that his life exceeded his wildest dreams and professed to being a "lucky man,"— but was known for giving far more than he ever received.

In lieu of flowers, the family welcomes contributions to the Association for Frontotemporal Degeneration, a nonprofit organization driving research towards a cure. Donations may be made at http://www.theaftd.org in memory of Ranald J. MacDonell.