Page 26 - South Mississippi Living - October, 2023

PEOPLE
Bill and Pat Descher Retire After Four Decades Leading the Coast’s Golden Arches
After more than four decades of running the Descher Family McDonald’s Organization, Bill and Pat Descher have retired and handed their aprons to their sons. And the 18 McDonald’s franchises in the family organization are more than just America’s most popular fast-food chain to the 43-year restauranteurs and lifetime education advocates.
“It’s about people,” Pat said of the countless McDonald’s employees that have come and gone over the years. “It’s about watching them grow, thrive, and be part of the community. They come back and visit after college. After starting their families. And it’s just wonderful.”
Pat, a former teacher, has helped to raise thousands of dollars in scholarship funds for countless students over the years. She has been heavily involved in educational milestones throughout the Gulf Coast, including the Explosion of Excellence, a Jackson County scholarship program that she began more than 30 years ago. “Education and helping students achieve their goals has always been very important to me,” she said.
The program, which came to an unfortunate end in 2020 due to lack of support, provided annual scholarships to the top 10 percent of students from each high school in Jackson County. Pat started the program with the intent of encouraging high school students to attend college and return to Jackson County to live, work, and raise families. She’s also served on several education and community boards and never once missed an opportunity for recruiting prospective employees.
“And I’ll probably still be out, searching for employees,” she said with a giggle. “That’s always been my biggest contribution. I’ve been going around the
Jeff, Dr. Bill, Pat, Bill and Gregg Descher.
story by Cherie Ward
photos courtesy of the Descher Family
26 | October 2023
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