Howard Wayne McDonald Sr., 71, of Yulee, Fla., went to heaven Saturday, June 15, 2019 at Baptist Medical Center Nassau. He was born July 11, 1947 in Fernandina Beach, Fla. to the late Ida Bell and Howard Lincoln McDonald. He fought many illnesses with a brave determination to beat the odds, especially after being told at age 20 he would never lead a normal life after he was in a horrible accident.
Wayne was a lifelong resident of Nassau County, graduating from Fernandina Beach High School, Class of 1965. Anyone who knew Wayne knew he loved his children and wife, but he also loved the great outdoors. He enjoyed hunting with his hounds, and he could tell you which dog was hot on the deer trail by their howls. He loved the woods and could often be found riding in his truck around our property. He loved playing baseball as a youngster. Because of his love of the game, he became a Little League coach and was always so proud of his team.
Wayne was such a likable guy, always willing to help anyone. He had many hometown friends – friends from the Family Tree, the Red Rooster, Hammerhead, the American Legion and his neighborhood buddies.
He will be missed by all but none more than the love of his life, Debbi.
He was preceded in death by his parents and his brothers, Mike and Ricky McDonald.
He leaves behind his loving and devoted wife of 43 years, Debbi; his daughter, Autumn; his son, Howard Jr.; many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and his family from Phenix City, Ala., Fernandina Beach, and many hometown friends.
Funeral services will be at 2 p.m. Saturday, June 22, 2019 in the Burgess Chapel at Oxley-Heard with Chaplain Jim Tippins officiating. The family will receive friends from 1 p.m. until the hour of the service at the funeral home. He will be laid to rest in Bosque Bello Cemetery. A reception will be held at Wayne and Debbi’s house following interment.
The family asks that memorial contributions be made in Wayne’s name to the Ackerman Cancer Center in Fernandina Beach or the Nassau County Animal Services in Yulee.
Please share your memories and condolences at www.oxleyheard.com.
Oxley-Heard Funeral Directors