Joseph Vincent McDonough, Jr

CW5 Joseph Vincent McDonough, Jr. (Ret.) of Lakeland, FL entered his heavenly home on December 30, 2024.

Joe was born in Richmond, VA on December 5, 1946. He was preceded in death by his father, Joseph Vincent McDonough Sr., Mother, Marian Talley McDonough, younger brother, Dennis Michael McDonough (Laura) and nephew David Michael Boyd, of Richmond. He is survived by his loving wife, Linda Head McDonough, daughter Kelly Olivia Patterson (Brent) of Thomasville, NC; son Shawn Curtis McDonough (Dee) of Lakeland; grandchildren Riley Joseph Patterson of Charlotte, NC; Brooke Christine Patterson of Greensboro, NC; Matthew Chandler (Meghan), Rachel Keller (Drew) and Jeffrey Chandler of Lakeland; Great grandchildren Easton, Graham and Harris Chandler, Lilly Grace and Olive Jane Keller of Lakeland. Sister Carolyn Cole (Bob) of Richmond; Sisters-in-law Jean Hodges and Laura McDonough Pruitt; nephew’s Corbin Joseph McDonough and Tommy Hodges; niece’s Hailey Grace McDonough, Elizabeth Jean “Billie” Boyd (Michael) and Kimberly Boyd of Richmond; and many aunts, uncles and cousins.

In 1965, Joe graduated from Varina High School in Richmond and enlisted in the Army in January 1967. He became a pilot and flew helicopters, clearing landing zones in Vietnam from 1968-1969. After only two weeks in Vietnam, Joe’s helicopter took rounds from an AK-47 that exploded his face shield and sent shrapnel through his chin. He was stitched up and flew himself off the top of the hospital 6 hours later. Over an extensive military career of 38 years, Joe was awarded many medals, ribbons, and badges including The Distinguished Flying Cross for heroism and the Purple Heart.

After returning from Vietnam, Joe worked full time, served in the National Guard, graduated Virginia Commonwealth University, was a member of Delta Sigma Pi, and began to raise his family. In 1990 Joe accepted a full-time position with the Florida National Guard and after Kelly married, moved Linda and Shawn to Lakeland, later becoming the Commander of the unit and oversaw the transition to Blackhawks and later fixed wing Sherpa troop transport planes. After he retired from the military, he joined his son, Shawn, in Real Estate.

He was a member and Elder of the First Presbyterian Church of Lakeland, a member of The Lakeland Rotary Club, and a recipient of the Paul Harris Award. He served as president and past president of the Lakeland Chapter of Military Officers Association of America. 

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to George C. Forsythe Hospice House, 450 Arneson Ave., Auburndale FL 33823 or a Good Shepherd Hospice of your choice.