Duran Greene McDonald
February 7, 2025
CHARLOTTE – Duran Greene McDonald, 83, died on Friday, February 7, 2025, surrounded by his loving family and beloved cat, Jackpot, sleeping in his lap.
Duran was born to Roy Lee McDonald and Alma Estelle Greene on May 19, 1941, on Rural Route 2 in Richmond County, NC. He graduated from Rockingham High School in 1959. He and his nine siblings learned the value of hard work from their parents on the McDonald family farm in Rockingham, NC. As he grew older, he sold shoes at Belk’s Department Store, drove the county school bus, and bagged groceries at Winn Dixie.
He earned an associate’s degree at Wingate University (1961) and subsequent bachelor’s in science at University of North Carolina Chapel Hill (1963). Duran enlisted in the United States Navy in 1963 and graduated from Officer Candidate School in Newport, Rhode Island (1964), eventually retiring as a Commander (O-5). He served on the U.S.S. Yorktown (1962-1965) during the Vietnam war, earning three Bronze Stars and an Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal.
Following a stint selling toilet paper with Scott Paper Company, he went on to attend University of Georgia for his MBA (1969) and found his love of numbers as a stockbroker at Merrill Lynch for the duration of his career.
While stationed in Long Beach, CA, Duran met Mary Ann from Springfield, Massachusetts, who became the love of his life and wife for 53 years. This unlikely duo, a tobacco-picking Southern Baptist from Rockingham and a shy Polish Catholic from the North, went on to have three children they adored, finding a middle ground in the Methodist Church.
You could tell how much he loved his children in all the ways he showed up for them: Jenny’s field hockey games, Matt’s basketball games, and Anna’s singing performances. He loved fly fishing with Matt and Derrick on the Snake River and always had a questionable follow-through on his golf swing.
While he relished in his children’s accomplishments and in his work, his greatest accomplishment by far was that of being “Papa” for a full 29 years, spanning 7 grandchildren. Just as with his own children, he made each of his grandchildren feel like the most important person in the world.
Duran and Mary Ann were longtime members of Myers Park United Methodist Church. He started a Men’s Tuesday Morning group, served as a Stephen Minister, and was an active member of the Builder's Class for over 50 years. In recent years, he spent his Sundays on Zoom with his Sunday school class, the 11 AM service, and ended the day with his family at 3 PM.
He is survived by daughter and son-in-law, Dr. Jennifer McDonald Willard and Mr. Derrick Duane Willard; son and daughter-in-law, Dr. John Matthew McDonald and Mrs. Cherie Norton McDonald; daughter and daughter-in-law, Dr. Anna Greene McDonald and Ms. Angela Darice Key; and the large brood of grandchildren he so adored, Andrew McDonald Willard, Anna Grace Willard, Caroline Merritt McDonald, Mary Elizabeth McDonald, Charlotte Harding McDonald, Amina Greene Ahmad, and Hamza Greene Ahmad; and surviving sisters and brother, Aletta Lee McDonald, Joyce Dean McDonald, Alma Jeanette McDonald, Eugenia Anne McDonald, Deborah Kay McDonald, and Robert Carnie McDonald.
He was preceded in death by his mother and father, Alma Estelle Greene and Roy Lee McDonald; his brothers, Roy Marshall McDonald, Vernon Wayne McDonald, and Larry Edgar McDonald; and, his most beloved wife, Mary Ann Kuczynski McDonald. He has mourned her absence every day.
A service will be held at 3:00 PM on Friday, February 14, 2025, at Myers Park United Methodist Church, 1501 Queens Road, Charlotte, NC. The family will receive friends following the service in Jubilee Hall. The service will be livestreamed at: https://test.myersparkumc.org/worship-with-us/funerals/ for those unable to attend in person.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alzheimer's Foundation of America, the Wounded Warrior Project, or the Humane Society.
Arrangements are in the care of Kenneth W. Poe Funeral & Cremation Service, 1321 Berkeley Ave., Charlotte, NC 28204; (704) 641-7606. Online condolences may be shared at www.kennethpoeservices.com.
Comments
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Dear Jenny, Matt and Anna,
I don't know where to begin. I first met your dad when I was 15 years old and. my very special cousin Mary Ann, age 23, you might call her Mom, asked me to be in charge of the guest book at her wedding to a man from North Carolina named Duran. As I helped prepare my mom's house for the coming of Duran's family from Rockingham to Springfield, Mass, to host a gathering that night, I met Duran as he painted the backstairs up to my uncle's apartment so that it would look nice for our visitors from the South. With the downstairs kitchen door open Duran and I talked and listened to music on the radio. I found him friendly, easy to talk with and quite handsome to this 15 year old.. Duran was 26. We listened to "Are you going to San Francisco". He asked if I had ever been there and I replied no. But when I did finally go. I said to myself," Duran, I'mm finally here."
I adored my cousin, Mary Ann, and sought to follow in her footsteps and I pretty much did. She played piano and I played piano from the same teachers. She went to Classical High. I went to Classical High School.. She had a French pen pal. I was penpals with her sister and Mary Ann would translate the French for me. She took French. I had 14 years of French. Duran and Mary Ann went to Europe on their honeymoon: London, Paris and Rome. Guess where we went? The same and came back at age 21 with a dime. Wayne and I will love Duran and MaryAnn forever . They were taken from us much too soon. We mourn their loss everyday. There will never be two like them again. They are with God and their parents and extended families. We love and miss them. There are no other words. -
We will miss our friend Duran immensely, We were a distinct group; Duran, Ralph, Beam, Lupo, Elliott and myself but we made it a point to gather at the Palm around the holidays for many years just to catch up. Duran's humor, Ralph's laughter and the camaraderie we shared will be a cherished memory to reflect upon and smile. Rest in peace Duran, until we gather again.
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Mary Ann and Duran were just married when we first met in Atlanta during the Scott Paper days. We became fast friends, and through babies, moves and a few years, we were fortunate enough to wind up in Charlotte to find our children in school together.
Jenny, Matt and Anna - I know your hearts are heavy now, but we can all rejoice knowing that your mom and dad are now reunited. Love to you all. -
Prayers and love for all the families …???❤️
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I did not know this great man but I do know his wonderful daughter Anna. From what I have gotten to know of Anna that he had to be an awesome man because she is so funny and so intelligent. Such a huge loss to this family. My heart goes out to them. Hugs and prayers. ❤️❤️
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The love of a father is to be treasured. I am so sorry for your loss. I miss you Jenny. Prayers for all
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Our deepest sympathies to your family! We loved getting to know Duran and Mary Ann on Crystal Mountain, and they were both just great people. Also , the McDonalds were dear to my late sister, Marsha Jarrell and her husband Fincher. May God comfort you and give you peace .
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I am sorry about the passing of Duran, I will always remember our time sharing memories over a cigar & fellowship at McCranies in Park Rd. Shopping center! As we get older we see many of our contemporaries pass , but I will never forget your kindness and your demeanor ! I am honored to have known you!
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My sweet 1st cousin. Duran was a kind hearted and loving man. He loved his family. My prayers for his family Jenny, Matthew and Anna. He will be missed.
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Duran was one of the nicest men you would ever want to meet. A true gentleman. May he rest in peace.
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