Nelson “Mac” MacWilliams

Nelson "Mac" Edward MacWilliams, passed away on Tuesday, December 20, 2011. He was born in Washington D.C. in 1957 to Bertha and William MacWilliams, Sr. He grew up as a resident of Chesapeake Beach, MD and graduated from Calverton High School, Huntington, MD. He attended Salisbury State University and then joined the U.S. Navy in 1977. His duty stations in the Navy included Defense Intelligence Agency Washington, DC; Photographic Reconnaissance Squadron 206, Naval Air Facility Washington, D.C.; USS Constant, San Diego, CA; Naval Recruiting District, San Diego, Fighter Squadron 111, Naval Air Station Miramar, CA; Helicopter Squadron 10, Naval Air Station North Island, CA; and Helicopter Tactical Wing Pacific, San Diego. He retired in 1999 as a Navy Chief after 22 years with the Navy. While stationed at Navy Recruiting District San Diego, Nelson married Susan Price. On returning to civilian life, he helped start-up the San Diego Defense and Space Consortium, and then performed security consulting. He again switched gears and served his community for several years with the Ramona Chamber of Commerce.

In 2007, U.S. Congressman Duncan Hunter needed full-time staff assistance to help fire victims and called upon Nelson. He followed that assignment as the “go-to guy” in helping small businesses throughout San Diego by cutting beauracratic red tape. He continued with Congressman Duncan D. Hunter and was responsible for assisting active and retired military personnel. He often took on the Secretary of Defense in battles for local Veterans. “He was a proud Veteran who served in the Navy and continued serving the people on Veterans and military issues,” Hunter said. “He will be missed. My thoughts and prayers are with his family at this time.” He was a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post in Ramona, CA and the Fleet Reserve Association. He enjoyed sports and was an avid Chargers and Padres fan. He was an accomplished drummer and played with several bands. He loved listening to music, eating blue crabs from Maryland, and spending time with family and friends.

He is survived by his wife, Susan; mother, Bertha MacWilliams; brothers, William MacWilliams, Jr., Charles MacWilliams, and Richard MacWilliams; sons, Christopher MacWilliams and Sean MacWilliams, daughters, Nicole Marks and Angela Cox; grandsons Luke and Dean Marks; granddaughters Madison MacWilliams and Olivia Cox; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his father, William MacWilliams, Sr., and sister, Virginia Mae Lusby.

A celebration of his life will be held Wednesday, December 28, 2011 at 3:00PM at Bronham Bros. & Stewart Mortuary, Ramona, CA.

Donations in his memory may be made to the Veterans Affairs, San Diego Healthcare System or the Veterans of Foreign Wars Ramona Post.

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