John Preston McConnell Jr.

John P. McConnell, Jr., died in his sleep on April 13th at the age of 31 at Badin Lake, NC. John was born on March 20th, 1982, in Raleigh as the first son to John P. and Susiegray Moore McConnell and will be forever missed by his family, friends, and work associates. His contagious smile, quick wit and helpful nature were admired by all that knew him. In his lifetime many people benefitted from his kindness and generous spirit.

He is survived by two beautiful daughters, Harper Gray and Mary Charles and their mother, Scotti Bond McConnell. John is also survived by his father John P. McConnell and step-mother, Catherine (Kit) Zahn McConnell, his brothers, William A. McConnell and wife, Lauren T. and their son Colton R., of Charlotte, Matthew B. McConnell, Alexander R. McConnell, Cole B. Olive, and sister, Kasey L. Olive all from Raleigh. His mother, Susiegray, predeceased him at the age of 44 in 1994. John was the grandson of the late George and Vivian McConnell of Abingdon, VA, and Ray and Hildred Moore, Sr., of Washington, NC. He also is survived by several uncles and aunts, Patrick and Terry Brady of Richmond, VA, George and Joyce McConnell of Pulaski, VA, Ray and Theresa Moore of Washington, NC, Jerry and Camilla Vinson of Charlottesville, VA, William and Mary Zahn, Jr., Cary, NC, Anne Sutton, Cary, NC, and Lt.Commander Dan and Tracie Sunvold of Virginia Beach, VA. Other survivors include his step-grandmother, Mary Zahn of Raleigh, NC, and his in-laws, David and Pam Bond of Raleigh. John enjoyed many great times and adventures with his numerous cousins who will miss him dearly.

John grew up in Raleigh and attended St. Timothy School for five years and graduated in 2000 from Ravenscroft where he participated in numerous activities including being named Co-Captain of the football team his senior year. He also wrestled and played baseball and was the founder of the Civil War Club on campus. After high school, he attended Randolph-Macon College where he played on the football team and later attended NC State and Campbell University.

John joined the family business, McConnell Golf, in 2003, and served in numerous roles until his departure two weeks ago to realize his dream of becoming an entrepreneur when he purchased Earth Stone Products in Greensboro. These past two weeks in this new venture proved to be some of the most enjoyable and rewarding times in his life and certainly this company’s future would have been a successful outcome.

Funeral services for John P. McConnell, Jr., will be held on Tuesday, April 16, 2013, at Edenton Street United Methodist Church located at 228 West Edenton Street in Raleigh at 3:30 pm. The family will receive visitors at the church before the service from 2:00 to 3:30 pm. A private burial will take place in Raleigh.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the City of Washington, Parks and Recreation Department, 102 East Second Street, Washington, NC 27889 for the benefit of the Susiegray M. McConnell Sports Complex. Brown-Wynne Funeral Home on St Mary’s Street will be assisting the family.

Condolences and special memories can be shared with the family at www.brownwynne.com