Jack V. McDonald

December 17, 1924 - November 12, 2017
Jack V. McDonald

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Jack Vernon McDonald, 92, of Hendersonville passed away Sunday, November 12, 2017 at the Brian Center Health and Rehabilitation of Brevard following a period of declining health due to Alzheimer’s disease.

Born in Meggs, GA, he was a son of the late Robert Bryan and Ina Ruth McDonald. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his loving wife of 66 years, Maude “Dusty” McDonald and his brother, Broward McDonald.

Jack attended Fort Lauderdale High School and graduated from Stetson University. Later in life, he received a Master’s degree from the Peabody College at Vanderbilt University. He taught science and physical education in Broward County high schools for over 20 years and was the varsity wrestling and football coach for Nova High School. He served in the United States Army Air Force during World War II, achieving the rank of Corporal.

Jack was a longtime member of Sheridan Hills Baptist Church in Hollywood, FL where he taught Sunday School classes. In his spare time, he enjoyed flying his single-engine Cessna, golfing and fishing. He loved to draw and write. He immensely enjoyed the company of his family and friends and had a soft spot in his heart for dogs.

He is survived by his daughter, Rebecca “Becky” McDonald Sparks and her husband, Douglas Sparks of Hendersonville; grandchildren, Ryan Sparks of Asheville, Heather Sparks and her husband, Jeremy Keller of Roswell, GA, and Ross Sparks and his wife, Claudia of Concord, CA; and four great-granddaughters.

Memorials may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association by clicking HERE or to the charity of the donor’s choice.


Service

Saturday, January 6, 2018
2:00 PM

Forest Lawn Funeral Home Chapel - Directions
538 Tracy Grove Road
Hendersonville, NC 28792

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  • January 04, 2018
    Ted Galatis says:
    Jack helped me get through some rough years at Nova High School and even years later remembered me when we ran into one another at Perry Airport

  • January 04, 2018
    Ted Galatis says:
    Jack McDonald helped me through some tough times in junior high school - he remembered me many years later when our paths crossed - may he rest in peace

  • January 04, 2018
    Mike Pratt says:
    Coach McDonald was an awesome man who gave much to those he touched. He accepted me on the Nova wrestling team as a transfer from New York state. I wrestled two years for Jack for the Nova High Titans at 120 lbs. I learned so much from him and made life long friendships from the experience and camaraderie that he orchestrated around the wrestling mat. We all strive to be champions but Jack was the real champion because hiss attitude was championing each of his kids to success. I was fortunate to meet Coach McDonald for lunch in Fort Lauderdale maybe 10 or 15 years ago with wrestler's Jay Spechler and Bob Sweetapple. I remember distinctly Jack calling me out for my bad habits and weight!! You gotta love a man of such principle and a man who cared for his boys on the mat and off the mat. God Bless Coach Jack McDonald. My sincere condolences to the family and friends from myself and all the Titans at Nova High that Jack had a profound affect on their lives. Hollywood, Florida

  • January 04, 2018
    Paul R Woodall - Retired Principal says:
    My condolences to Jack's family. Jack and I coached football and taught science together at Nova High School. During that time we became good friends and fishing buddies. I enjoyed those times and our long talks. Jack was the kind of man that if you knew him and spent any time with him, he touched your life! God rest his soul, and continue to bless his family.

  • January 22, 2018
    Bob Sweetapp;e lit a candle:
    Lit since January 22, 2018 at 1:31:38 PM