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Celebrating the life of

Earle Sherwood MacDonald

July 17, 1941 - April 28, 2021

Earle Sherwood MacDonald

Savannah native and beloved retired Windsor Forest teacher Earle Sherwood MacDonald passed away today April 28, 2021, under the care of Signature Health Nursing Home and Candler Hospital. "Mr.Mac," as he was affectionately known by many years of students, was a graduate of Benedictine Military School where he was an editor of the yearbook, and Major Adjutant of the Cadet Corps his senior year, 1959.    After attending the Citadel, he entered and graduated from  Baltimore's St. Mary''s Seminary and University in 1964. He also received a Masters in European History and an Education Specialist from Georgia Southern University in the 1970s.

Following the decision to leave the priesthood for a secular career, he worked for the Georgia DFAC services before joining the faculty of newly opened Windsor Forest High School for the 1967~68 term. He remained there, one of the "dreaded dragons of E Wing," a teacher to be disrespected at one's peril, until his retirement. He taught decades of students world history, Latin and higher order thinking skills.

One of the highlights of his high school teaching experience was his selection for a national Fulbright scholarship exchange with a British history teacher from Bury St Edmunds, England. They swapped apartments and jobs for an entire school year. Another important ancillary assignment was to Chatham County's team of participants in the US Office of Education's LEAA training to ease tensions during the unrest with school desegregation. Mr. MacDonald served in that capacity for the entire time the program was federally funded, helping draft the county public schools' process for deescalation of violence and positive dealings with current social issues.

Sherwood MacDonald is survived by one sister, three nieces, two nephews, four grand nephews, and several long time friends. No funeral service is planned. A celebration of life is to take place at a later date. Chess, pool, dancing, history and animal welfare were lifetime pursuits and causes.

Remembrances in his memory may be made to the Savannah Humane Society, First City Network or a favorite charity.

SHARE YOUR CONDOLENCES

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GUEST BOOK

I was on the staff at BC with Sherwood and was always impressed with his academic achievements and intelligence. In later years we always spent time conversing about his educational experiences. I haven’t seen him since 2019 when he told me his back pain issues were much better. I will miss his positive attitude and friendly disposition. I pray that God will grant him peace and mercy.

- Stephen DeLoach, Pensacola , Florida

My Yearbook Editor and Friend will be missed. A good person and always a good HUG at reunions and St Pats.

- Al & Ellen Taber '59, LAGRANGE, GA

I worked with Sherwood for thirty years. He was a legend at WFHS. I extend my deepest sympathy to his family.

- Anita Varner , Savannah, , Georgia

A candle has been lit!

My condolences and prayers are with the family.

- The Gregory Family, Savannah, Ga

Mr. MacDonald was one of the finest teachers I’ve ever known and was lucky to have him as a teacher. His commitment to higher order thinking was formative in my education. Those who crossed his unique path were lucky to have known him.

- Amy Vinson, Boston, MA

A candle has been lit!

We are so sorry to hear of his passing. He was an intellect and such a savior to my cousin Libby Adams. Rest well my friend.

- Bob and Betty Newell , Savannah , Georgia

My thoughts and prayers are with the family, he truly blessed a generation of young minds....

- David M Pinckney, Rincon, GA

My thoughts and prayers are with the family, he truly blessed a generation of young minds....

- David M Pinckney, Rincon, GA

I am so sorry to hear about your Sherwood’s passing. He was such a bright and intelligent person. I knew him as as a friend and worked with him as a teacher. I enjoyed his dry wit. May he RIP.

- Thelma Crosby , Savannah , Georgia

Sherwood always had the gift of gab and was such an intelligent man. Rest in peace, Sherwood. Say hello to Libby for us

- Linda adams, Savannah , Georgia

Mr. Mac was my Advanced World history teacher. I was not a fan of the subject; however, his passion for history captured my attention. I had the pleasure of serving on the 2012 Windsor Forest Universal Reunion planning committee and will treasure the memories. My sincerest prayers and condolences tobthe family.❤❤

- Michele Thomas, Covington , Georgia

I had the pleasure of having many classes with Mr. McDonald...he was a square shooter..and awesome teacher...may his memorybbe a blessing to all who knew him or was taught by him.

- David Fuller Anderson , Little Rock , Arkansas

I deeply regret that I never took the opportunity to express how much he taught me. Not only in regard to educational knowledge, but in life. He challenged me which taught me the valuable lesson that with hard work, you can overcome the greatest obstacles. I've carried ethic with me ever since.. No reward exists when things are easy. He didn't often give out praise, but that was his point. Work hard and self pride will result. The greatest compliment he ever gave me was a handwritten note on a test that said "I'm proud of you". To me, that was the equivalent of climbing Mount Everest. Rest in peace and thank you!

- Jennifer Kemp, Buford, Ga

A candle has been lit!

One of my all time favorite Teachers

- Dave Riddle, MESA, AZ

I was sad to learn this news about my former teacher and later friend. Mr. MacDonald (still feels more right to call him that) was my Latin teacher at Windsor Forest High School for two years. I was part of the first graduating class to have attended the high school for all four years (class of 1971). What I recall about Mr. MacDonald in those years was his intellect, discipline and sense of humor. He gave me the nickname "Egregious Propstus" which, in those years, was very apt. But, he enjoyed my sense of humor and gave me support and encouragement to grow into my potential as a student and individual. I never forgot his kind words to me (or about me, spoken to my mother). Later in life, we corresponded online and I was able to tell him what kind of impression he had made on me. I'm not rich or famous, but I am what I consider to be a good, decent person and that, in part, I attribute to knowing and learning from Mr. MacDonald. Ad Meliora.

- craig propst, Charlotte, NC

I was sad to learn this news about my former teacher and, later, friend, Mr. MacDonald (still feels more right to call him that) was my Latin teacher at Windsor Forest High School for two years. I was part of the first graduating class to have attended the high school for all four years (class of 1971). What I recall about Mr. MacDonald in those years was his intellect, discipline and sense of humor. He gave me the nickname "Egregious Propstus" which, in those years, was very apt. But, he enjoyed my sense of humor and gave me support and encouragement to grow into my potential as a student and individual. I never forgot his kind words to me (or about me, spoken to my mother). Later in life, we corresponded online and I was able to tell him what kind of impression he had made on me. I'm not rich or famous, but I am what I consider to be a good, decent person and that, in part, I attribute to knowing and learning from Mr. MacDonald. Ad Meliora.

- craig propst, Charlotte, NC

Mr. MacDonald was one of the teachers who had such an impact on me- on how I look at the world . He taught me the beauty of the ancient language of Latin. So I stuck with him for 4 years of Latin. I am pretty sure he is roaming the Forum right now with the other souls. Godspeed

- Terry Hayes, Mansfield, TX

A candle has been lit!

My deepest condolences to the family.

- Martha Wilkinson Grantham , Greensboro , Georgia

I have fond memories from Windsor Forest High school Latin class, even though he was military tough back then in 70’s. He was dedicated to school and community. Mr. MacDonald stayed in touch with students long after. He will be missed.

- Jane Peebles Martin, Valrico, FL

My condolences to the MacDonald family on your loss. Mr. MacDonald was the very definition of a classical scholar through both study and teaching. . What a great and positive influence he had on his students and those around him. In fact I was lucky enough to see him at our "Class of 73 "reunion several years ago and say "Thank You " for his insights during our history classes at WFHS. A gentleman and a true scholar. Rest in Peace Sherwood.

- Jim Waldrop, Midway, Ga

A candle has been lit!

Our condolences , he was a fascinating man, he will be missed.

- Steve and Ginger Strickland, Tybee Island, GA

A candle has been lit!

My deepest condolences to Sherwood’s family! A brilliant teacher and caring friend!

- June Rich, Savannah , Ga

Mr. MacDonald was an inspired AP European History teacher and my first real professor, one who required thought and perspective and excellence. I have always been grateful to have known him. (WFHS Class of 1986)

- Sherri McLendon , Atlanta , Georgia

I am sad to see another dear friend and special educator leave us. Sherwood and I first worked together with the Professional Association of Georgia Educators and later at Windsor Forest High. He volunteered for years after retirement. I willmiss him.. My deepest sympathy is with his dear family.

- Linda Herman , Dahlonega, Georgia

Most people spend their lives making a living. A few spend it making a difference. All you have to do is read the tributes here to see what a difference Sherwood made in the lives of so many people. I remember him as one of the two best teachers I was fortunate enough to have in High School. His was a life well lived.

- Hugh Patrck, Savannah, GA

A candle has been lit!

Mr. MacDonald meant so much to the students, alumni and faculty of Windsor Forest High School. He was a dedicated founding organizer of the Windsor Forest all-class reunion in 2012. And he remained a loyal advisor for the school's 50 year commemoration in 2017. My deep condolences to his family.

- Julius L Hall, Minneapolis, MN

How sad to learn of Mr. McDonald's passing. I only knew him one year, 50 years ago, but he left a lifetime impact on me. My children have heard my stories quite frequently over the years of the adventures and trials of having been a student of Latin in Mr. Mac's class. Tough as nails, yet possessed with a delightful sense of humor, he was one of my best teachers ever. My sincerest condolences are offered to his family.

- Michelle Ansley, Savannah, Ga

My sincere and deepest heartfelt condolences to his family. Mr. Mac taught me European history and Latin during my attendance at WFHS. While I was never a fan of the subjects, he made them intriguing and rewarding. In fact, I signed up for several of his Latin classes and they were monumental in my further understanding of multiple languages. He will always be a champion of scholar and higher learning.

- Dave Mednick c/o 1983, Jacksonville, FL

I remember Mr MacDonald fondly although yes I did fear him as well to some extent until the day I often remember and relay to others when he showed me how to stand up to and respond to a bully I had gotten entangled with. I am glad he was my history teacher as well as an excellent example of keeping my self respect.

- Jennifer Ratledge, Charlotte , NC

Mr MacDonald was an outstanding teacher, and I shall always remember his sincere interest in students. He shared interesting historical stories, and challenged me to perform at my best. I will always remember him. My sincere condolences to his family.

- Patricia Abrams Latimer, Jacksonville , FL

My sincere sympathy to family and friends, Sherwood was a fine person and will be greatly missed.

- John Aubrey Brown, Savannah, GA

I had Mr. MacDonald as my homeroom teacher 1967-1971. He once advised me not to take so many science classes, but broaden my exposure to other electives. I enjoyed his World History class and remember the stuffed Winnie the Pooh with a laurel wreath. I am glad that I had the chance to reconnect on facebook. Mr MacDonald brought a rich variety of formal education and experiences to teaching. He was and will always be one of WFHS finest teachers. Bless you, Mr MacDonald and may you truly know you were greatly admired and appreciated.

- Jenifer Croslin Greene, Athens, GA

Mr. McDonald helped me go beyond the doubts I had in myself. He encouraged me in school and I have never fogotten that.

- Angela Rimes, Pembroke, GA

Mr Mac will truly be missed by everyone because he wasn't just a teacher...he cares about you as a person! Even after all these years Mr Mac remembered each and every one of us!! I can truly say from the bottom of my heart that Mr Mac is one of God's Angels because he was a true angel on earth to everyone of his students...God Bless Mr Mac because you will truly be missed!

- Bobbie Davies and Glenn Davis , Chesnee, South Carolina

Services under the direction of:

Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors, Hodgson Chapel
912-352-7200