Donald Ray McPherson

Donald Ray "Chief Mac" McPherson, Sr., 78, of Tyler, passed away on Sunday, October 4, 2015 in Tyler. Mr. McPherson, a retired Senior Chief Petty Officer in the United States Navy, was born on November 22, 1936 to Charles F. and Zera V. McPherson in Gadsden, Alabama.

He grew up and attended school at Etowah High School in Atalla, Alabama where he was an All District Center and Linebacker. Following school he passed up a full scholarship at LSU and enlisted in the United States Navy; where he served for more than 20 years. In 1963, he met Mary Juanita Elenchuk at a military dance in Boston. They married three weeks later, on April 12, 1963. He retired from the Navy and then worked as a manager in the restaurant supply industry. He was a dog lover and provided a loving home for numerous pets throughout his lifetime; including his current pets, Mo and Foxy. He was an avid golfer for over forty years and loved the game.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Charlie McPherson; and sister, Johnnie Ballard.

He is survived by his wife, Mary of Tyler; son, Don McPherson, Jr. of Bullard; daughter, Frances Bulloc, and her husband, Richard of Wood Heights, Missouri, daughter, Colleen Moncada, and her husband, Alex of Rockwall; brothers, Jimmy McPherson of Dallas, Mike McPherson of Troup, Ricky McPherson, and his wife, Rhonda of Overton; six grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be held from 6:00-8:00 PM, Wednesday, October 7, 2015 at Tyler Memorial Funeral Home, 12053 State Highway 64 West, Tyler. Funeral services will be held at 1:00 PM, Thursday, October 8, 2015 also at the funeral home, with Pastor Duane Petty officiating. Concluding services and military honors will follow in Tyler Memorial Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be directed to Pets Fur People, 1823 County Road 386, Tyler, Texas 75708.