Obituary of John Douglas McDonnell

John Douglas McDonnell  "Jack" to his many friends.

Born Oct 14th 1949 succumbed to a sudden illness at the age of 74 on January 13, 2024 at UNC Hospitals Chapel Hill.

Jack was born in Jersey City NJ to John L and Marie Tichenor McDonnell.  He Grew up in Millville NJ where he was involved with the sport of Football at an early age and later Surfing on the Jersey Shore.  Jack played football for Millville High School.  Jack then attended Shippensburg University in Pennsylvania where he played college football.  Later Jack attended and graduated from Glassboro St College in NJ in 1971.  While in college Jack met Carol and soon after married and then moved to NC where Jack and Carol found jobs in growing industries.  Jack worked at RDU airport for Eastern Airlines for several years. However In the Early 1980's Jack was looking for something more and found it in Real Estate. After working with some local well known Realtors in Chapel Hill and building a name for himself, he later helped form Franklin St Realty.  In 1987 Jack again wanted something different and founded his own Company Mac Realty.  He continued to work in the Residential and later Commercial industries until 2021.  Jack was never shy around people as he was very outgoing, making new friends and connections wherever he went,  Jack remained an avid fan of football, Primarily the North Carolina Tar Heels and the Philadelphia Eagles. Jack passed on his love of sports and his infectious outgoing personality along to his two sons.

Mr. Douglas is survived by his wife, Carol B. McDonnell; his two sons, Ryan McDonnell, Dylan McDonnell (Natalie); two granddaughters, Josie McDonnell and Zoe McDonnell and his grandson, Noah McDonnell. 

A date for a memorial ceremony or gathering is being planned for the near future.  Walker’s Funeral Home in Hillsborough is honored to serve the McDonnell family.