George Ralph McDonald - Obituary

eorge Ralph McDonald (“Pop-Pop”), a resident of Harwood for the past 41 years, passed away peacefully in his sleep at his home on August 21, 2017. George is survived by his wife of nearly 60 years, Sandra Kay McDonald; his daughter Debra Lee Salisbury of Bristow, VA; his son George Ralph McDonald, Jr. (Tammy) of West River; and his daughter Susan Kay Morris (Greg) of Chesapeake Beach; his six precious grandchildren Stacey Salisbury-Karhoff (Matt) of Reston, VA; Brandon Thomas (Samantha) of Edgewater; Michelle Salisbury of Bristow, VA; Zachary McDonald of West River; and James and David Morris of Chesapeake Beach and his two very special great-grandchildren Kaleb Edward Thomas of Edgewater and Emma Lynn Karhoff of Reston, VA. George was born March 25, 1938, in Washington, D.C. to Charles and Regina McDonald, both deceased. His brother, Charles Roger McDonald, of Nashville, TN also preceded him in death. During the early years of George’s career as a carpenter, he assisted with the design and construction of the working beehive exhibit which is still in use today at the Smithsonian Institute in Washington, D.C. In 1967, he joined the General Accounting Office. During his 29½ years of employment, he rose through the carpenter shop to the position of supervisor. George received numerous accommodations of excellence awards. In 1980, he was awarded a Comptroller General’s Meritorious Service Award by Comptroller General Elmer B. Staats. After retiring, George continued his carpentry work as a handyman and enjoyed making signature pieces for his family. In his spare time, he refurbished two antique tractors and used them to participate in tractor pulling contests, winning numerous plaques and ribbons. George also enjoyed trips to Disney World, cruising and visiting Alaska and watching the Washington Redskins. He especially loved the time he spent with his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. George will be greatly missed by the many people that knew and loved him. In lieu of flowers, please donate to a charity of your choice. A private “Celebration of Life” will be held at a later date. Condolences may be made by clicking the tab on this page.