Gene Ray McDonald 75, of Holt, Florida passed away on Friday, September 13, 2024 peacefully at home with his family at his side. Gene was born on January 23, 1949 in Holt, Florida to J.R. and Della McDonald. Gene was a 1966 graduate of Baker High School and a lifelong resident of Northwest Florida.
After twenty five years of dedicated service, Gene was a retired Civil Service Meat Cutter at Eglin AFB Commissary. Gene was a veteran in the Vietnam Era honorably serving in the US Navy, then retired from the United States Air Force Reserves as a MSGT with over twenty five years of service. Gene was instrumental in establishing the Holt Fire Department where he had served as Assistant Chief. He operated McDonalds Grocery along with being a meat cutter in Holt, Florida for many years.
Gene loved to hunt, fish, farming and enjoyed sitting in his swing. He was loved and will be missed by all who knew him.
Gene is preceded in death by his parents, J.R. and Della Lavada Parker McDonald, his sister, Lillian McDonald Miller and his brother, James Thomas McDonald.
Gene is survived by his wife of forty one years, Carole McDonald, his two children, Heather Kilpatrick (Ron) and Ryan McDonald (Amanda), his brother, Riley McDonald (Donna), his cousin whom he considered a brother, Randall Parker, his two grandchildren, Mayson and Levi and also a host of nieces, nephews and extended family.
The family would like to give a special thanks to his caregiver, Lisa Hughes
A funeral will be held on Saturday, September 21, 2024 beginning at 11:00 a.m. at First Baptist Church of Holt with Pastor Curt Raney officiating. Burial to follow at Pleasant Home Cemetery at 8500 Pleasant Home Road Holt, Florida 32564. The family will receive friends on Saturday, September 21, 2024 from 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. at First Baptist Church of Holt.
You can share memories and offer condolences atΒ www.brackneyfuneralservice.com
Brackney Funeral Service, Crestview, is entrusted with arrangements.
First Baptist Church of Holt
First Baptist Church of Holt
Lisa
September 17, 2024, 10:14 am
My heart will never be the same. I shall miss you the rest of my life. You touched many lives but mine you touched with gusto! Rest in peace my dear friend until we meet again…this side of heaven….your fat apple.
Royce Shatzer
September 17, 2024, 11:21 pm
Great picture, we will miss Gene and he was a great Veteran and American. Condolences to Carol and all of the Family.
Royce Shatzer
Charles B Cooper
September 18, 2024, 12:40 pm
Riley & Donna we offer our condolences for your brother Gene. I remember him as a friend in Gopher town anda Navy Shipmate.
May GOD BLESS
Barney & Ellen Cooper
Shannon Corbin
September 18, 2024, 5:25 pm
I was deeply saddened to hear of Gene’s passing. He was a dedicated public servant and a pillar of the community in Holt, Florida. Gene loved the simple pleasures in life, and was deeply loved by his family and friends. Gene’s legacy will live on in the lives of those he touched. He will always be remembered as a kind, generous, and dedicated man.
Godspeed
Shannon & Valerie Corbin
Elaine Parker
September 19, 2024, 3:37 am
One of the truly good guys. Gene was always kind to everyone at Holt School. He was respected for helping others and for his organization in planning great adventures that always resulted in somebody getting wet and someone catching some fish. Precious memories of kids growing up country with board games, outdoor fun. May Gene join George, Ronnie, James, Mike, watching over us.
Jean Walker
September 19, 2024, 2:41 pm
I was so saddened to hear about Gene passing away. He had such a sweet and kind heart. Holt will never be the same. May God bless you with peace and comfort that only he can give. ππππ
James Pebo Jerkins
September 20, 2024, 12:47 pm
Our deepest condolences to Geneβs family. We enjoyed many years hunting with Gene on Eglin AFB. Gene was a great fella and will be missed.
Danny and Debbie Bowden
September 20, 2024, 1:00 pm
We are so sorry to hear of Gene’s passing. He was a good man who loved his family. Praying for ya’ll. Love ya’ll.
Alton and Katie Nixon
September 20, 2024, 7:42 pm
Gene was an acquaintance and friend for many, many years, he was a friend and easy to get along with.. the world, and especially Holt was a better place with him in it. Blessings and prayers for all of his family and friends.
Alan Parsons
September 21, 2024, 12:44 pm
My condolences to Riley and Mcdonald Family. Gene was a person I am glad I knew. Our prayers are with you all
Debbie and Mark Despres
September 27, 2024, 12:00 pm
Carole and family we are so sorry for your loss. Gene was one of my favorite cousins growing up. I will miss him, after all he got my husband to eat frog legs lol. God Bless you and your family.
Riley and family we are so sorry for your loss I can remember being little and going to the store with Mom (Dorothy Jewel) and Dad and getting a YooHoo, you both were so nice to us kids. God Bless you and your family.
Love you both
Mark and Debbie (Green) Despres