John R. Macdonald

John R. MacDonald, age 74, of Waynesboro, GA entered into eternal rest March 10, 2025.

Born in Waukegan, IL July 4, 1950, John graduated from Bullis Academy Preparatory School in Potomac, Maryland, and Georgia Southern College in Statesboro, GA where he met his wife, played on the tennis and basketball teams, and was a member of Sigma Pi fraternity.

John served in the field of childhood education administration as an Assistant Principal of Countryside High School in Dunedin, FL; principal of SGA elementary in Sardis, GA; assistant principal of Blakeney Elementary and Waynesboro Primary School in Waynesboro; and retired after working for the CSRA Regional Educational Services Agency.

Best known for his love of tennis, he achieved the highest category of membership as a USPTA Master Professional and was the recipient of the USPTA International Pro of the Year after publishing articles for tennis magazine and developing new equipment to introduce children to the game. John spent many years spreading his love for tennis throughout Burke County and the CSRA as the tennis coach for the Burke County Recreation Department and Bide-A-Wee Plantation Tennis Club through lessons, clinics, round-robins, and tennis camps each summer. Combining his dedication to tennis with his experience in children’s education, he enjoyed hosting the Arthur Ashe Kids Day at the US Open in Flushing, NY for many years.

Outside of tennis, John joined the Navy in 1974, was a member of the Burke County American Legion, an avid golfer, member of Greens Cut Methodist Church, and a master-level ham radio operator serving as head of the CSRA disaster relief volunteer organization and founder of the Burke Ham Radio Club where he developed many life-long friendships.

John was preceded in death by his wife of 54 years, Deborah “Debbie” Oliver MacDonald; parents, William J. and Geneva Hollingsworth MacDonald; half brother, William “Bill” MacDonald, Jr. of Mesa, AZ; and a half sister, Janice MacDonald Valdez of La Jolla, CA.

John was a father and grandfather to 6 girls - 2 daughters, Jamie (Brantley) Mallard of Waynesboro, GA and Jill (Clint) Davis of Mooresville, NC, and 4 granddaughters, Aubrey Mallard, Brylie Mallard, Tinsley Davis, and Emeryn Davis. He is also survived by 2 brothers-in-law, Ricky (Connie) Oliver and Lyn (Sonya) Pickle; a special niece, Diana Abril; and his 2 beloved dogs, Jack and Petey.

The family extends their gratitude to the staff of Augusta Gardens and Heartland Hospice for their care.

Funeral Services will be held 2:00pm Saturday, March 15 in the funeral home chapel with Rev. Jerry Sharpe and Dr. Rick Oliver officiating. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service. Burial will be private.

Pallbearers will be Rick Oliver, Lyn Pickle, Woody Hayes, Alan Williams, Chuck White, and Bud North.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Greens Cut Methodist Church at PO Box 264, Waynesboro, GA 30830 or Augusta Gardens Senior Center c/o John MacDonald memorial 3725 Wheeler Rd, Augusta, GA 30809.

DeLoach-McKerley-Prescott Funeral Home & Cremation Service, 220 East 6th Street, Waynesboro, GA   30830 (706-554-3531)

You may sign the guest book at www.deloachfuneralhomes.com.