Adam Rudolph Macwhinnie

Rudy MacWhinnie, 65, of Melbourne Beach, died Monday, August 15, 2011. He was born in Bremen, Georgia, graduated from Pensacola High School, Pensacola Florida, and the University of Southern Mississippi in Hattiesburg, MS. He also received a law degree from the Mississippi College School of Law, Clinton, MS. Rudy moved to Florida in 1983 when he went to work for Northrop Grumman, St. Augustine, FL. Prior to his retirement from Northrop Grumman, Rudy was employed for 28 years as a Senior Program Manager on the Joint Stars Surveillance Program in Melbourne, FL. He is survived by his wife of 30 years, Sandy, and his children Emily and Adam MacWhinnie. Rudy retired from the U.S. Air Force as a Major after twenty years of service. He graduated officer training school as a commissioned 2nd Lieutenant in 1970. He was a T-37 and T-39 instructor pilot from 1970 to 1974. From 1974 to 1984, he served as Captain and Commander of the C-130-H cargo aircraft in the Mississippi Air National Guard, Thompson Field, Jackson, MS. In 1984, he transferred to the U.S. Air Force Reserves, McDill AFB, Tampa, FL. He was called to active duty and served in Desert Shield/ Desert Storm from 1990 to 1991. Rudy's service medals include the National Defense Service Medal, Air Force Outstanding Unit Award with two devices, Air Force Longevity Service Award with three devices, Combat Readiness Medal, Armed Forces Reserve Medal, Joint Service Commendation Medal, Mississippi Longevity Medal with two devices, Mississippi Service School Medal, and Air Force Training Ribbon. Rudy touched so many lives in positive ways and will always be remembered for his great stories. He was a great cook and entertained his friends and family for hours with his sense of humor and endless tales. He was a husband, father, and best friend to his wife and children. He was a friend to all who knew him and will be forever missed. His final act of courage was his fierce battle with cancer; his faith in his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ sustained him. In addition to flowers, donations may be made to the HealthWell Foundation, 9801 Washingtonian Blvd., 9th floor, Gaithersburg, MD 20878. A gathering of family and friends will be from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m., Friday, August 19, 2011 at Beach Funeral Home, 1689 South Patrick Drive, Indian Harbour Beach. A funeral service will begin at 10:00 a.m., Saturday, August, 20, 2011 at Beach Funeral Homes. Interment with Military Funeral Honors will be at Florida Memorial Gardens immediately following the memorial.