Mr. McDonald was a native of Atlanta and grew up in Buckhead. He attended R.L. Hope Elementary School and North Fulton High School. He graduated from The Marist School and Georgia Institute of Technology. Hugh was commissioned as a Lieutenant Junior Grade into the U.S. Merchant Marine Corps where he had served for two years. After returning from his tour of duty he resumed his studies at Georgia Tech where he received a degree in both Civil and Structural Engineering. He became an associate of Ralph Whitehead Consulting Engineers where he helped in design work of the firms numerous projects which included many bridges, railways and highways throughout the Southeast.
Mr. McDonald was the great-great-grandson of Georgia Governor Charles James McDonald, who served from 1839-1843. As a result of his ancestry, he was greatly interested in genealogy, Georgia History, The Revolutionary War and The Civil War. Hugh was a member of Mount Vernon Baptist Church.
He is survived by his wife, Margaret Inez Teal McDonald; son, Charles Scott McDonald and his wife, Cheryl; daughter, Sandra McDonald Thornburg and her husband, Kirk; grandchildren, Shelley Elizabeth McDonald, Lauren Teal Callaway and Anne Christine Callaway.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Mount Vernon Baptist Church or the charity of your choice.
A memorial service was held on Friday, September 14, 2012.
H.M Patterson and Son, Sandy Springs.
