Dorman L. McDonald

DORMAN L. MCDONALD, 84, of Brunswick passed away Wednesday at the Hospice of the Golden Isles. Born January 6, 1928, in Crestview, Florida to Homer and Avis Gibson McDonald. After the death of his parents at age 14, he spent the next 3 years in Rome, Georgia, with his Uncle and Aunt, Aubrey and Lena Wilson.

After graduating in 1945 from Glynn Academy High School, he served in the U.S. Coast Guard for two years where he began his lifelong career and love of electronics He attended electronic schools across the country in the U.S., furthering his education in the electronics field. He began his career in electronics under the guise of Hugh and Marjorie Evans, at Evans Radio in downtown Brunswick. In 1952, he started his own electronics business on Norwich Street, known as McDonald’s T.V and Radio. He was one of the first individuals to attend TV Services Schools in Glynn County.

In 1970, he attended Brunswick Junior College where he discovered a new found love for writing under the guiding hand of Sudy Leavv his English Professor. Professor Levy granted him the confidence and encouragement to write. He later wrote a book, Ancestor Trails to Georgia and Alabama, a genealogy book that is located in Libraries across the U.S.A. and London, England. He considered this book, one of his greatest accomplishments in life. He owned and operated McDonald’s Radio and TV on Norwich Street for 60 years. He was the first Radio Shack franchise owner in Brunswick. He also began the first VHS Tape club in Brunswick. In addition, he owned and operated three Lafayette Electronic Stores in Brunswick, Statesboro, and Dublin.

His accomplishments include: In 1969 serving a 5 year term on the Glynn County Joint Planning Commission; in 1974 he was awarded Outstanding Service for Electronic Technician; in 1976-1977, he was presented The Harold Chase Award for Outstanding State Association President; in 1979-1980, he was awarded the Outstanding Club Leadership Award as President of the North side Kiwanis Club of Brunswick; In 1983, he was awarded the Life Fellowship Award by the Kiwanis International Foundation; In 1988-90 , he was awarded Kiawanian of the Year Award for Outstanding Service for North side Kiwanis Club of Brunswick; in 2005, he was awarded Technician of the Year by the International Society of Certified Electronic Technicians. He served as Sunday School Director of Pine Ridge Baptist Church for 13 years under the guiding hand of Reverend H.K. Neal, coached little league baseball for many years and worked diligently for the United Way. He was also an avid Georgia Tech fan and enjoyed playing golf and dancing.

While he accomplished a lot in his lifetime, he considered his greatest accomplishment his wife and children, along with his book, Ancestor Trails in Georgia and Alabama. He wanted to leave this historical legacy behind for all his relatives, but especially for his children and grandchildren.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Homer and Avis McDonald; a brother, Carroll McDonald; a son, Ralph Bruce McDonald; and his Uncle and Aunt who raised him, Hugh and Marjorie Evans.

Survived by his wife of 38 years, Cammie Rudine Smith McDonald. She was his partner in life and business, working side by side for their entire marriage. He was the best dad and granddaddy, and affectionately called Papa Mac;

Survived by five children, Nancy McDonald Rowe (Eddy); Kay McDonald Rowland; Donald R. Smith; Kimberly Dawn Smith Coen (J.R.); and Steven Dennis McDonald;

Survived by one sister, Marjorie McDonald Wendel (Bob)

Survived by 12 grandchildren; William Rowe, Jason Rowe, Ben Crosby, Anthony Dale Smith, Andrew Donald Smith, Eric Matherly, Cammie Renee Boyd Heinhold, Jake Thomas, Jessica McDonald, Emily McDonald, John McDonald, Sam McDonald. and Dylan Coen Also, survived by 8 great grandchildren.

Pallbearers will be the grandsons: William Rowe, Jason Rowe, Jake Thomas, Ben Crosby, Anthony Dale Smith, and Andrew Donald Smith.

Honorary Pallbearers: Members of the Georgia Electronics Association of Georgia - Ernest Kennedy, Ronald Goodwin, Robert Brunner, Ebin Shepard, Roy Shepard, Ralph Haugen, Lynnah Baumgartner, Alfred Crosby; Members of the Berean First Baptist Sunday School Class; Former Members of North side Kiwanis Club – Charles Wells, Dr. Charley George, John Lavorn, Emery Young, Lynn McDowell, Johnny Hollington, and Ken Gay. Others: Robert Ussery, Don Bourklund, Marin Neal, Rob Owens, Harry Shaw, Eleanor Gregory, Charlotte Neal, Francis Owens, Gladis and Donald Ray Thomas, and Mark Gordon.

The family would like to extend their appreciation to Dr. Wade Strickland and his staff.

Family will receive friends from 6 – 8:00 P.M. Friday, July 13th at Edo Miller and Sons Funeral Home. Intermit services will be held on Saturday, July 14th at 2:00 p.m. at First Baptist Church with the burial services immediately following at Palmetto Cemetery. Family and friends welcome.

Donations can made to the Hospice of the Golden Isles or the Alzheimer’s Association.

Arrangements are under the direction of Edo Miller and Sons Funeral Home, www.edomillerandsons.com.