Rep. Hunter Attends Services for Aide ‘Mac’ MacWilliams, Killed in Road Accident

Congressman Duncan D. Hunter, former congressman Duncan L. Hunter, and about 300 other people attended services for Nelson "Mac" MacWilliams in Ramona on Wednesday.

MacWilliams, 54, was a field representative for Rep. Hunter at the time of . He worked on military, veterans and law enforcement issues for the congressman, and had served 22 years in the U.S. Navy, including Operations Desert Storm and Iraqi Freedom.

The Ramona resident was a "gentle, intelligent individual" and a "get-it-done" kind of guy, no matter what obstacles stood in his way, according to Dale Smith of Ramona's VFW Post 3783, who gave the eulogy at chapel. He noted that MacWilliams helped many service organizations in Ramona over the years, as well as being executive director of Ramona Chamber of Commerce for four years.

Smith said he has sent Rep. Hunter a letter requesting that the Ramona Post Office be named after MacWilliams.

"I can think of no better individual to have his name on the Post Office," he said with emotion.

MacWilliams was a life member of the VFW Post. Members hosted military honors by a Navy Honor Guard and a celebration of life there for him after the funeral. MacWilliams' name was added to their veterans' memorial wall.

MacWilliams was driving on Wildcat Canyon Road in Lakeside on Dec. 20 when his vehicle swerved into a curve and rolled.

"Our comrade's march has ended," Doug Scholl of the VFW Post said in the benediction.

Commander of the Post, John "Pontiac" Hine, gave the invocation. Commander of the VFW for California, Bobby Price, also was present.

U.S. flags were presented to MacWilliams' wife, Susan, and to his mother, Bertha. Rep. Hunter, R-Alpine, who represents the 52nd Congressional District, presented the flag to Bertha MacWilliams.

After the honors, MacWilliams' family, friends and colleagues gathered inside the Post hall for an informal celebration of his life. Besides the Hunters, those in attendance included members of Ramona Chamber of Commerce, Hunter's staff, veterans and members of various local service organizations and businesses.

MacWilliams' ashes will be scattered in the Chesapeake Bay area, where he grew up, Smith said.