WALDO "BO" MCLEOD

Waldo L. McLeod (Bo) died Thursday, Sept. 13th. He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Carolyn; three daughters, Janet Hill of Donalsonville, GA, Sandy Johnson and her husband Mike of Alpharetta, GA, and Carol Ann Stovall and her husband, Bryan of Savannah, GA; one sister, Agnes Kingry of Macon, GA; and seven grandchildren, Meredith Hill King, Matt Hill, Miranda Hill, Brian Johnson, Jessie Johnson, Todd Johnson, and Camden Stovall. Bo was born in Florida and moved to Donalsonville at a very early age. After graduating from high school, he served in the United States Army and was stationed in the Philippine Islands. After returning to Donalsonville, he began working for Billy Smith at the Donalsonville News. He did everything that needed to be done and was named Sports Editor in 1951. He eventually became the managing editor, soon earning the title of Editor-in-Chief. He purchased the paper from Senator Julian Webb in 1969 and remained the editor and publisher until 2010 when he sold it to Dan Ponder. He loved his work and was tirelessly committed to it. He took one week's vacation in his entire life and only then at the insistence of his dear friends, J.B. and Laurie Clarke. His career extended beyond the local reading area. He was an editorial columnist for the Atlanta Journal and Atlanta Constitution for twenty years beginning in the early sixties. He was the voice of the infamous Piney Woods Pete, a front page daily feature of political and social commentary. His observations and one-liners were quoted in numerous publications, including the Reader's Digest, Colliers, and LOOK, as well as many newspapers throughout the state. Bo was a mentor to many aspiring writers and though he never sought the spotlight, he always had an audience laughing and enjoying his latest tale. He was the featured speaker for gatherings of civic and fraternal organizations throughout the state and served as Master of Ceremonies for many functions, including the 1978 Georgia gubernatorial debates. He was an actaive member of the Georgia Press Association from whome he received a special 50+ Years of Service Award and was selected by his peers for the coveted R.O.R.A.R Award. Bo was an active member of the First Presbyterian Church, serving as deacon then elder, and choir member and was the teacher of the Eleanor Chason Sunday School class for many years. He was a member and past president of the Donalsonville Lion's Club. The Georgai General Assembly honored Bo with House Resolution Bill 426 for his years of dedication to his trade as well as his community. He was selected as Seminole County's citizen of the year in 2010. Bo McLeod loved his family, God, his work, the First Presbyterian Church, his country, and Donalsonville, GA. He devoted his life to supporting and promoting his corner of the world and never hesitated to voice his bias or use his influence for his community. He really had no hobbies and considered his work, his family, and his lifelong friendships to be his greatest blessings. As a final gesture of his love for his community, the funeral procession will be directed through downtown Donalsonville. Casket: Wood