Harry Arnold Mcdonald

Harry Arnold McDonald passed away at his home in Savannah on Saturday, November 25, 2017, at the age of 66.
He was born in Atlanta to Mary Karst McDonald (deceased) and Arnold Lee McDonald of Port Charlotte, Florida. He grew up surrounded by siblings and leaves behind brothers, Barry McDonald (fiancé Laurie) and Gary McDonald (wife Pam) of Port Charlotte and sister, Mary Lynn Conway (husband Joe) of Virginia Beach, Virginia. He is also survived by several nieces and nephews. He was so proud to be a part of the family of his wife, Karen, acting as big brother to her sisters, Kathy and Julie. He once wrote that he was blessed because he was allowed to become part of the Howell family.
He often shared the story that he was in a uniform for over half of his life, attending Catholic elementary school and graduating from St. Joseph High School in downtown Atlanta. He was in the Corps of Cadets during his 4 years at North Georgia College before proudly serving our nation in the military. He was commissioned 2nd Lieutenant in the spring of 1972 upon graduation with a BBA from North Georgia College. He began his military service in the US Army at what he referred to as the "Benning School for Boys" in Columbus, Georgia. On their 6-month wedding anniversary, Harry & Karen began their extended honeymoon on the island of Oahu where he was assigned to the 25th Infantry Division at Schofield Barracks. They returned to the Mainland in 1976 when he was stationed at Hunter Army Airfield and served with the 260th Quartermaster. Major McDonald completed his military career with the Army Reserves.
He met the love of his life, Karen, on a blind date her first day at North Georgia College. They were married in June of 1972. He often said that he had to work his way into her father's good graces, but he quickly became the son that her parents never had.
Words cannot convey what Harry meant to his friends and family, but a good friend describes Harry with 3 words - faithful, encouraging, and humorous. He was faithful to his church, to friends and especially to his family. He loved working on projects whether on the job or at home and was always planning the next phase. He was an encourager to everyone around him and was always willing to lend a helping hand. He loved humor and could always lighten the conversation and make you smile.
As a construction manager, he leaves behind so many marks in Savannah and the surrounding area. From the 911 Call Center, Mosquito Control, River Street Visitor Center, Chatham County courthouse projects, Aquatic Center, Mercedes Benz vehicle prep center in Brunswick and numerous Chatham County school builds and remodels ... the list goes on and on. In February of this year he became the Director of Maintenance for the Savannah Chatham County Public School System and oversaw the upkeep of over 60 school facilities. He was especially proud of the 2 year build of the Nexans High Voltage Plant in Goose Creek, South Carolina. Another equally rewarding project was the Savannah International Trade & Convention Center on Hutcheson Island, where he served as the architect's representative.
Most importantly however, was the home that he lovingly built and remodeled for his family - not only with bricks and mortar, but with his blood, sweat and love that he freely poured into every fiber of their home.
He was a very active member of Isle of Hope United Methodist Church. When he and his family first joined the church and his children were involved with the youth program, he especially enjoyed helping with ASP summer trips - both interacting with youth and teaching them construction skills. He was a member of the New Horizon's Sunday School class and served on the Board of Trustees. He loved singing bass both in the Chancel Choir and the Men's Chorus and was always inviting new members to both.
As an Eagle Scout himself, he was especially looking forward to a recent invitation to serve on the Eagle Scout committee for the Savannah Boy Scout Council.
Harry often expressed that his two greatest treasures were his children, Kari Lindsay and Ryan Edward. He was so very proud of them and absolutely loved being their Dad. He taught them so much and loved them so dearly. So many of his positive traits will live on through them.
A Celebration of Life will be held at Isle of Hope United Methodist Church on Saturday December 2nd at 2 PM in the church sanctuary with a reception following in the church Ministry Center.
In lieu of flowers the family asks that you make remembrances to IOH UMC 412 Parkersburg Road, Savannah, GA 31406, the Appalachia Service Project 4523 Bristol Highway, Johnson City, TN 37601 or to the Coastal Empire Council, Boy Scouts of America 11900 Abercorn St., Savannah, GA 31419.