Obituary of Mack Koonce

Stanley Malcolm (Mack) Koonce, 76, died January 6, 2025, at his home in Chapel Hill. Mack is survived by his wife of 54 years, Hope Thornton-Koonce, brothers Don Koonce of Cary, NC (wife Dorothy) and Ken Koonce of Fayetteville, NC (wife Jeanne), nephews Mike Koonce of Cary, NC (wife Lynn) and Jeff Koonce of Chapel Hill, NC (wife Ann), great nephews Reid Koonce of Raleigh, NC, Jack Koonce of Charlotte, NC and Henry Koonce of Chapel Hill, NC, and great niece Molly Koonce of Cary, NC. Mack leaves behind many other special friends and family members.

Mack was predeceased by his parents, Stanley Malcolm Koonce, Sr. and Louise Turlington Koonce and his beloved sister-in-law, Sheila Thornton Smith.

Mack grew up in Raeford, NC and graduated from Hoke County High School. He earned his Bachelor of Science and Master of Business Administration degrees from UNC-Chapel Hill.

Mack went on to a successful corporate career in the travel and hospitality industry, first with American Express and American Airlines, then with Wyndham Hotels. His second career was in the nonprofit sector where he served in leadership roles with Big Brothers Big Sisters of America and United Way of the Greater Triangle. These nonprofit and volunteer interests continued in retirement, and he was currently involved in PORCH, a nonprofit devoted to fighting hunger in the local community.

An avid golfer and sports fan, Mack followed men’s and women’s sports closely at Carolina. Mack’s corporate career gave him opportunities to see the world, and he never lost his interest in travel.

A celebration of life will be held on March 1, 2025, at a location to be announced later. The family requests that memorials be directed to PORCH Chapel Hill-Carrboro, PO Box 16363, Chapel Hill, NC 27516-6363 or online at chapelhill.porchcommunities.org. Gifts may also be directed to The Carolina Covenant, Office of University Development, PO Box 309, Chapel Hill, NC 27514 or online at https://give.unc.edu/gift/koon