Obituaries

Charles Howard McDonald, Jr.

Charles Howard McDonald, Jr., 98, of Newport News, entered his heavenly home with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Friday, October 22, 2021. He was born in Richmond, grew up in Portsmouth, and had been a resident of Newport News for over 70 years. After serving in the US Navy in the 1940’s, Mac spent the next 40 years as a ship designer for the Newport News Shipyard. Before his retirement in 1986, he was privileged to help design aircraft carriers including, the USS Enterprise, the USS America, the USS John F. Kennedy, the USS Eisenhower, and Nimitz Class carriers, as well as ocean liner, the SS United States. He was a member of Grace Baptist Chapel of Hampton. He married the love of his life, Aleen, in 1942. They enjoyed competitive bowling and golf for many years, created beautiful wood crafts and furniture, and took trips together in their RV. His greatest passion in life was speaking to friends and family about his faith in Christ and his enduring love and service to his family.

Mac was preceded in death by his wife, Brookie Aleen McDonald, and his daughter, Edna Carol Fernald. He is survived by his son, William Charles “Billy” McDonald (Dianne); grandchildren, Donna Carol Grubbs (Steve), Misty Carol Escobar (Daniel), Nathan Charles McDonald, William Gavin McDonald, and Kirsten Anne McDonald; great-grandchildren, Michelle Escobar, Samuel Escobar, Julian Escobar, Andrew Grubbs, Christina Curran; nephews, Jeff Patterson and Chuck Wynings; and a host of other nephews and nieces.

A graveside service will be held on Monday, November 1, 2021, at 1:00 p.m. at Peninsula Memorial Park.

Arrangements are under the care of Peninsula Funeral Home, 11144 Warwick Blvd., Newport News, VA 23601.

 

 

 

4 Comments

  1. Blaire Ruch

    Wish I could have met Mac, but so feel like I did through hearing the loving stories through Dianne! What a wonderful life and legacy! Praying for all of you at this time, and wish I could attend the service.

  2. Patty Hicklin

    Uncle Mac , one of my favorite uncles when I was a little girl. I know y’all will miss him, but how glorious to know we will see him again ! It was so good to see him at Carl’s birthday a few years back. He has such a kind loving spirit.. beautiful tribute to your dad that you wrote.

  3. Monica Pinkston-Brock

    We are all Blessed to have known Mac. Now it is time to rejoice for He has gone home to His Lord and Savior. Prayers to All. Love Aunt Wilma, Gwen, David, Chris & Monica

  4. Tim Gibson

    Billy I know Mac is enjoying his first days in Heaven. I am glad that he has no more pain or sickness. Be sure I am praying for you and your family as you walk this path that I am on as well. We will see our loved ones again. I know all of his relatives who knew Jesus were overjoyed to see him finally home. Especially Aleen . I know he was so thrilled to see His Lord and Savior as he came thru the gate. We rejoice that he now Home and awaits for all of you to follow as well. Even so come Lord Jesus. Praying for you in the days to follow.

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