Services today for former commissioner McDonald Claude G. McDonald, a retired state law enforcement officer, retail grocer and two-term Suwannee County Commissioner, died at home Tuesday evening, August 7, 2001, at about 9:15 p.m. after a long period of declining health. His wife of 56 years, Edith, was by his side. McDonald was born on March 28, 1919, in rural Hamilton County on the farm where he was raised. He served four years in the US Army during WWII. He was one of the first Florida beverage agents assigned to the North Florida area during the height of the moonshine contraband existence and retired from the department upon entering the retail grocery business. In 1976 McDonald was elected to the Suwannee County Board of County Commissioners and served two terms ending in 1984 at which time he retired from public service. McDonald was a man the public could count on, a Christian gentleman who was truly concerned about everyone he came into contact with. His influence in the community was by deed and service to one's fellow man and is a principal he taught to his children, all who serve the community well today as they continue in his very large footsteps. McDonald is survived by his wife, Edith Pluris McDonald of Live Oak; two sons, Murel G. (Karen) McDonald and James W. McDonald, both of Live Oak; six daughters, Mavis Johns, Margie (John) McLeod, Claudie Bailey, Nancy (Mel) McMullen, Ramona (Terry) Land and Georgette (Joe) Ragan; 25 grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren. His funeral will be at 1 p.m. today (Friday, Aug. 9) at the First Baptist Church of Live Oak.