He leaves behind his loving Wife and Best Friend of 31 years Shaonnette R. McDonald; son, Omar T. McDonald (Emily); daughter, Asia J. McDonald; grandson Myles C. Bernard; grand Puppy, Arizona McDonald; parents, James and Sandra McDonald; brother, Michael E. McDonald (Valerie); nephew, Elizah C.E. McDonald; and niece, Regine M. McDonald.
Joe was preceded in death by his sister, Tishana M. McDonald; his dog/son, Chuck McDonald; maternal grandparents, Christopher and Dorothy Reid; paternal grandparents, James McDonald Sr. and Alma Williams; and Katherine Scott/Aunt Katt.
Joe/Mac joined the US Navy in 1988 and proudly served for 29 years; retiring in 2017. He rose in the ranks from Hospital Corpsman to Pharmacy Tech then on to receive his BSN from Norfolk State University in 2005. After graduating with his BSN, he became a Commissioned Officer for the US Navy and later retired as a LT. Commander. Joe thoroughly enjoyed being an ED Nurse. He was an awesome mentor to the sailors he encountered. You either loved him immediately or Not, and if Not, it was because he was making you learn something.
Joe had a love for the great outdoors, he loved taking care of the lawn and gardening. So, after retiring from the Navy, Joe started his own lawn care company, Sunny Day Lawn Care. His cliental grew rapidly. He also loved traveling, reading and continuing to mentor young sailors long after he retired. In the last few years Joe took up boating, something he loved to do with his dad in his childhood. He mastered it and any free time he had he was on the boat fishing and just enjoying being on the water. He loved boating with his son, Omar and his brother, Mike.
During the Pandemic in June of 2020, Joe was able to experience the love of his first-born Grandson Myles and cherished being PopPop.
Joe had an infectious laugh and was quite the jokester.
He was an awesome husband, father, brother, son, friend, and PopPop. He will truly be missed.
Rest Well, My Love, for you have earned it.
Joe’s Celebration of Life will be held at 11:00am on Sunday, June 6, 2021 at Hardage-Giddens Funeral Home of Mandarin.
Arrangements by Hardage-Giddens Funeral Home of Mandarin, 11801 San Jose Blvd., Jacksonville, FL (904) 288-0025.
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