New Smyrna Beach has lost one of its most public spirited citizens Sunday morning with the death of Vic McDonald at Bert Fish Medical Center at the age of 87. Born on April 12, 1921, in Columbia, S.C., McDonald came to New Smyrna Beach in 1964, and was heavily involved in public and political affairs including a stint as vice mayor.
McDonald was a New Smyrna Beach city commissioner from 1972 through 1976. In 1973 he served as vice mayor. Because Vic shunned publicity, few people were aware of his efforts to make New Smyrna a better place.
He worked tirelessly to make sure that the city commission appointed good people to the various boards around town such as the Utilities commission. He worked as an ombudsman with businessmen to help them get past the various government hurdles so they could establish and enlarge their businesses.
One of Vic McDonald's greatest crusades was to improve New Smyrna Beach's road system by improving and paving roads where it was needed the most. He lobbied personally with officials at the city, county and state levels.
At the time of his death, Vic McDonald was campaigning to pave Paige Avenue, which is the dirt road that goes behind Denny's Restaurant, Publix and the WalMart plaza on State Road 44.
Vic McDonald was an entrepreneur. He opened Turnbull Storage, the first mini warehouse storage facility in Volusia County .He ran McDonald's Ham and Eggs on the site that is now Blackbeard's restaurant. He also ran a donut shop that was the first drive thru in New Smyrna Beach.
His involvement with politics started with his working for Strom Thurmon in the 1940s and '50s. He became president of the Young Democrats in 1947 and then became a "Dixicrat". Finally he became a Republican.
Vic McDonald's main hobby was woodcraft. He had a wood shop at his Georgia cabin and entered regional craft shows.
Vic McDonald is survived by his wife, Margaret "Tootsie" of New Smyrna Beach; a son, Charles T.McDonald; a daughter, Gerry Ann Klear; a brother, Charles McDonald; and two sisters, Margaret McDonald and Augusta McDonald Elsworth, all of Columbia, SC; five step-children, Loretta Visconti of Frederick, Md; Joe Visconti and his wife, Betsy of Titusville, Frank Visconti and his wife, Silvia of Orlando; Mike Visconti and his wife,Melissa of Coral Gables; Rose and her husband, Chuck Branson of Athens, GA; 12 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren.
A memorial service is 2 p.m. Tuesday, at Settle-Wilder chapel, New Smyrna Beach, with the Rev. Don Bremer, First United Methodist Church, and the Rev. Robert C. Brown, Coronado Community United Methodist Church, officiating. Donations may be made in Vic McDonald's memory to: America American Cancer Society Southeast, 1737 N. Clyde Morris Blvd., Suite 140, Daytona Beach, FL 32119 or to March of Dimes Florida Chapter, 405 North Reo Street, Suite 105, Tampa, FL, 33609. Condolences may be sent online to www.settlewilderfuneralhome.com.