Ralph Griffin Macdonald, 89, Air Force Colonel

Ralph Griffin Macdonald, Col. USAF (Ret.) passed away on Friday, Feb. 22, 2013 at the age of 89 at his residence at Covenant Place, SC.

He was the husband of the late Nelie Ann Plowden Macdonald. He was born in New Hyde Park, Long Island, NY, a son of the late Charles W. and Claire Purdy Macdonald. He was a member and elder at First Presbyterian Church of Sumter.

He is survived by three sons; Charles Purdy Macdonald and his wife Linda of Sumter, Douglas Plowden Macdonald and his wife Nancy of Liberty Hill and Florence and Ralph Griffin Macdonald, Jr. and his wife Carol of Clemson; four grandchildren, CW3 Charles Macdonald, Jr. USA, Kathryn Macdonald Sides and her husband Jason, Bjorn Helgeson and his wife Stacy and Collin Helgeson and his wife Ashley; and one great-grandson Leif Erik Helgeson.

A wake will be held on Monday, Feb. 25, 2013 at 2 p.m. at the First Presbyterian Church with the Rev. Janie McElwee-Smith officiating. The family received friends on Sunday, Feb. 24, 2013 at Covenant Place. Memorials may be made to Covenant Place, 2825 Carter Road, Sumter, SC 29150.