McDonald Funeral Home

Zell Miller died on Friday morning at his home in Young Harris, and Forsyth County’s McDonald and Son Funeral Home will be handling arrangements for memorials across the state.Lauren McDonald, with McDonald and Son, said the funeral home would be handling plans since his father, Lauren “Bubba” McDonald Jr., and Miller served in the legislature together. Miller’s body arrived at the funeral home Friday afternoon.“Gov. Miller and my dad served in the legislature [starting in] the early ’70s and, of course, worked alongside each other, many budget conferences, late nights figuring where to spend the taxpayers’ money,” Lauren McDonald said.Miller and Bubba McDonald both ran for governor in 1990, along with Sen. Johnny Isakson.“But, that whole group were really good friends even to the extent he would fly and pick up [Sen.] Johnny Isakson, who was in the race,” Lauren McDonald said. “That whole group of guys stayed very close. After the race and Zell became governor, he appointed Johnny as head of the state school board, and then he also appointed my dad as public service commissioner. It’s a long family relationship that the Miller family wanted Bubba McDonald to take care of Zell.”Lauren McDonald said a service would be held in Young Harris, the state funeral would take place at the Georgia State Capitol and the main service would be held at Peachtree Road United Methodist Church in Atlanta.“They’ve got confirmation that multiple presidents will be attending that service,” he said.Lauren McDonald said he, his staff and members of the Georgia State Patrol had put in “100 hours plus” to plan the services. (Gainesville Times)