Joseph Randolph 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.