John Angus McDonald

1917 - 2008

John Angus McDonald crossed over to be with God on July 15, 2008.
He is survived by his son, Johnny W. McDonald; daughter-in-law, Susan S. McDonald of Navarre, Fla.; two grandsons, Ryan and Sean; and many nieces and nephews in the Clark family located in Chipley, Fla.
His life began in Red Bay, Fla., just south of Ponce de Leon on April 10, 1917. His father died when he was about 7 or 8 years old. With a 6th grade education at the age of 12 he began to help shoulder the support of his mother and three older sisters, Mary, Catherine and Bernice. They were a hardworking family and survived as they had always done with very little. He said the Great Depression did not seem to affect their life much because they never had much to begin with. He found work in a saw mill north of Panama City, Fla.
In 1934, at the age of 17 he joined the Civilian Conservation Corp. "CCC's." He started work at the camp in Niceville, Fla. He worked hard for 50 cents per day building bridges and paving roads, one of which is now Highway 20. He sent home $2 of his $2.50 per week to support his family.
In 1942, he was drafted into the Army and fought in the Battle of the Bulge. Through all of this he received many promotions and was awarded a commission in 1947 to second lieutenant. He spent time in Hawaii and many other places during his time in service.
In 1953 he separated from the Army due to the illness of his mother. He came home and helped run the family restaurant in Chipley while attending Chipola Jr. College where he received a GED and a two-year degree. He then moved to Tallahassee, Fla., to further his education. He literally painted his way through FSU to receive a BA degree in business management.
In 1957 he rekindled a relationship he had back in his CCC days with Geraldine Yow of Holt, Fla. The couple married and lived in Deland, Fla., where he worked for the state and in 1959 he accepted the administrator's position at the hospital in Chipley.
In 1964 he campaigned for a seat on the Florida Senate and won. During this time he married Brady Lea Adkinson of DeFuniak Springs, Fla. He served for one term and due to rezoning his seat was absorbed by another district. After this he assumed the position of administrator of the Walton County Hospital. He worked there until he retired in 1978 when he decided to run for mayor of DeFuniak Springs. After losing his first attempt he then was successful in 1980. He served several terms and then was called back into service by the county to help save the hospital. He then retired for the remaining years of his life.
In his life he touched many lives. His service to family, friends and community were beyond compare. He was loved and will be missed greatly.
Flowers may be sent to the Clary-Glenn Funeral Home or donations may be made to Covenant Hospice of Northwest Florida in his name at 101 Hart St., Niceville, FL 32578.
Visitation services will be conducted from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, July 17, at Clary-Glenn Funeral Home Chapel, 230 Park Ave., DeFuniak Springs.
Funeral services will be conducted at 10 a.m. Friday, July 18, at Clary-Glenn Funeral Home with the Rev. Joel Glenn officiating. Burial will follow in the Euchee Valley Cemetery.
You may go online to view obituaries, offer condolences and sign the guest book at www.clary-glenn.com.
Clary-Glenn Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.