Archie Ray McDonald, 94, died Thursday, February 19, 2009 at St. Joseph of the Pines in Southern Pines. Mr. McDonald was born in Moore County on February 24, 1914, the son of Archie D. and Elma McNeill McDonald. Mr. McDonald was a police professional in his earlier years, serving as Chief of Police in Randleman, NC and as a member of the Southern Pines Police Force. He was a co-founder and owner of McDonald-Page Motor Company in Southern Pines; was founder and owner of McDonald Auto Salvage Company, and owned and operated McDonald Taxi Service in Southern Pines. He also had an interest in local real estate investments. He served in the U.S. Navy during World War II.

Mr. McDonald had a lifelong interest in hunting and fishing and in old-time string music. Following in the footsteps of his father, he was a well-known fiddle player. Mr. McDonald is survived by two brothers, Woodrow McDonald of Southern Pines and Alton McDonald of Aberdeen; six children, Joe McDonald, Bill McDonald, Janice Wheeler, Karen “Kasey” Monroe; Daniel Ray McDonald, and Sheila Kay Smith; 14 grandchildren; and 12 great-grandchildren.

The family received visitors at Boles Funeral Home in Southern Pines on Friday evening, February 20, from 6:00-8:00 p.m. There will be a graveside service at Old Bethesda Cemetery on Bethesda Rd in Aberdeen on Saturday, February 21, at 2:00 p.m.

Online condolences www.bolesfuneralhome.com

— Paid obituary

Richmond County Daily Journal

Saturday, Feb. 21, 2009