Joseph McDonald

Joseph E. McDonald age 77, passed away on July 12, 2019 in Vancleave, MS.
He was born on August 29, 1941 to Joseph and Alice McDonald in Pawtucket, RI, the oldest of five brothers, Robert McDonald, Paul McDonald (Kathy), Richard McDonald (Nancy); and his one sister, Margaret Lord (Rudy).
Joe joined the United States Navy in September of 1959 and served his nation until 1963 achieving the rank of Store Keeper Second Class, and later joined the Army, and served from May of 1964 until 1971, achieving the rank of Staff Sergeant. He served in three tours to Vietnam.
On June 5, 1971 he married Sheila McParlin and had three daughters, Brenda Saunders (Ernest), Amy McDonald Conley (William), and Beth McDonald.
In 1974 he moved to Connecticut to attend the University of New Haven where he received a BS in Business Administration and a Master in Public Administration.  He worked as a c correctional officer to get through school then worked his way up to Assistant Administrator of the Veterans Administration Hospital.
In 1980 he said he was done with the "rat race" and bought 41 acres in Sheffield Vermont.  Clearing most of it alone, then built a home and a barn.  Rather thatn bring in electricity he chose to use solar power instead.  He had a small farm, and a large garden, enough so to be self -sufficient. In 1991 he decided it was too cold and he didn't like the "politics".  So they bought 7 acres in North Carolina and built a house and workshop.  He got his contractor's license and had so work with his neighbors that he never had to leave his own street for work.  After about 10 years he split his land to build Sheila's "Dream House" a Victorian Painted Lady.  Around that time, they started vacationing in Biloxi, MS.  On one of the trips they decided on a whim to look at property in the area.  Within about 2 years, Joe was refurbishing a house in Vancleave where they moved in 2004.  They both enjoyed retirement and made the most of their time together.  In September of 2011, after 40 years of marriage, Joe lost the love of his life.  Promising her that he would take her place at church so they could be together again, he actively embraced his faith family at Pine Lake Baptist Church.  What started off as a promise to Sheila, turned into a testimony of the Power of Christ.  He did more than donate time and money to the people who meant so much to him and Sheila,  he became part of the church family.
Family was very important to Joe.  He loved to spend time with his five grandchildren, Eric Conley, Adam Saunders (Emma), Benjamin Saunders (Kelly), Jacob Saunders and Rachel Sondi Freeborn, and especially excited to welcome his three great-grandchildren, Tobias Saunders, Odin Saunders, and Sterling Freeborn.
Joe was ready to go.  He missed his Sheila for 8 years and yearned to be with her.  His prayers were answered that day on July 12, as his Father in Heaven welcomed him home.  We will all miss him very much, but we rejoice in the knowledge that he is happy and back together again with his loving Sheila.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made to Pine Lake Baptist Church, 16600 Highway 57 Vancleave, MS  39565 for the Childrens Summer Camp program.
RIEMANN FAMILY FUNERAL HOME, 13872 Lemoyne Blvd at Washington Ave. in West Jackson County proudly served the McDonald family.  Share online memories, condolences, and photos at www.riemannfamily.com