Major Jewel McDonald, the oldest known living man in the United States, passed away in Louisville, Mississippi, on 4 October, at the age of 110 years, 337 days.
Major Jewel McDonald was born on 1 November 1915 in Winston County, Mississippi, United States, one of thirteen children raised by a single mother. He spent his early life in rural conditions and later described the family’s limited resources, including reliance on a mule and wagon for transportation. Several members of his family were noted for their longevity, including multiple sisters who reached 100 or more, and a grandfather reportedly recorded as living to 106.
In 1941, McDonald moved to Ohio during the Great Migration, seeking employment and leaving the segregated environment of Mississippi. He lived in the Cleveland area and worked for the Kroger Company until his retirement. In 1982, he returned to Louisville, Mississippi, where he spent much of his retirement fishing, particularly on the Tombigbee River. McDonald married twice and had six children in total, including a son born when he was in his eighties, as well as a stepson.
On 24 July 2026, following the passing of 111-year-old Ed Martin of Florida, McDonald became the oldest known living man in the United States.
Upon his own passing, it’s believed James Clayton Flowers (born 25 December 1915) of New Mexico succeeded him as the nation’s oldest living man.
We extend our heartfelt condolences to the family and loved ones of Major Jewel McDonald during this difficult time.
