John H. McPherson's Obituary
In loving memory of John H. McPhersonJohn H. McPherson was born February 18, 1919 in Akron, Ohio and passed away July 4, 2012 at the age of 93 in Tavares, Florida. He resided in Eustis since 2000. John is what acquaintances called him; Harry is how his family addressed him. Mac was the nickname given to him by his wife Ruby which his close friends called him. But his favorite name was “Pop” used by his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. Mac spent his early years growing up in Akron, Ohio and largely on his grandparent’s farm in North Conecuh County Alabama. He left the farm after graduation and went to work in the Civilian Conservation Corps with a cousin. In 1939, he enlisted in the army in Montgomery, Alabama. Mac was part of a firefighting company for his early training. The army air corps was forming and Mac was among the first to join. In 1940, Mac was sent to Orlando to be a part of the original company to establish Orlando Air Force Base. When World War II started he was sent to India for supply flights to China. After the war he was stationed in Japan. When he returned to Ohio in 1948 he eloped with his sweetheart Ruby Gene Bowman to Covington, Kentucky. They were married for over 63 years and remain devoted to each other. In 1949, Mac and Ruby were sent to Panama. Their oldest daughter Deborah Kay was born there in 1950. From there they were transferred to the American Embassy at Lima Peru. Mac was assigned to help train Peruvian pilots. During this time their second daughter Sharon Lee was born. After a short period in the United States the McPherson were stationed at Ben Guerir Air Base in Morocco. Finishing 20 years in the Air Force, Mac retired as a Master Sergeant in 1959 at Homestead Air Force Base in Florida. In 1960, Mac and Mr. Mac (Carol MacDaniel) developed property along the St. John’s River South of Astor. Later he moved his family to Orlando and he and his wife worked at McCoy Air Force Base. From there Mac and Ruby moved to the Clearwater/Tampa area and later retired to their property development Holiday Moorings in Astor – known as Mac’s Fish Camp in the 1980’s and 1990’s. In 2000 they moved to Eustis, Florida. Mac joined the Masonic lodge while in Panama. He was a 32 degree Mason and a founding member of Pinecastle Lodge. He recently received his 60 year pin from the Eustis lodge. He was extremely proud of his being a member of this organization and the friendships formed there that lasted him a lifetime. Among family and friends Mac was most noted for his storytelling. His recollection of names, dates, and places was truly astounding. As he traveled around the world he was a keen observer of the people, places, customs, and cultures he saw. He had lived through so many events it was easy for him to relay all of the history. Mac is survived by his wife Ruby Gene McPherson of Eustis, Florida. He has two daughters Deborah McPherson Russell (James) of Leesburg, Georgia and Sharon Lee Crimmings (George) of Orlando, Florida. He is also survived by two granddaughters Jennifer Lynn Slauter (Brandon) and Nicole Renee Euler (Clinton) both of Orlando. He also has two grandsons, John Austen Russell of Leesburg, Georgia and Jay Schultz of Harvard, Illinois. Four great-grandsons John Andrew Slauter, Matthew James Slauter, Owen Lee Euler, and Noah George Euler. Mac or Harry as his family called him is also survived by his beloved sister Dona Houk of D’Ivernelle, Mississippi and Evergreen, Alabama. Two brothers preceded Mac in death – Lloyd Edward Phillippi Junior of Atmore, Alabama and Ralph William Phillippi of Evergreen, Alabama. In 2005, he lost his son in law and friend James Kent Russell of Leesburg, Georgia. Three dear friends of Mac died before him Mr. Dempsey Lott of Orlando, Florida and Mr. Carol “Mac” and Mrs. Melvine MacDaniel. Thank you to the friends and family for all of your support and a special thank you to those at Country Garden Manor. Funeral Service: Thursday July, 12 2012 at 11:00 A.M. at Hamlin and Hilbish Funeral Directors Chapel in Eustis, Florida. Committal Service: Friday July, 13 2012 at 2:30 P.M. at Florida National Cemetery in Bushnell, Florida. In lieu of flowers please donate in his name to the United Mitochondrial Disease Foundation (UMDF) at www.umdf.org.Condolences may be left for the family by signing the guestbook below.
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