John Daniel McConnell, Jr.

John Daniel McConnell, Jr. passed away on March 1, 2023. Born in Durham on July 9, 1940 to John Daniel and Margaret Gorrell McConnell. He was preceded in death by his parents and wife of 55 years Lynda Richert McConnell. He graduated from The McCallie School in 1958, UNC Chapel Hill in 1962 and UNC-Chapel Hill law school in 1964.

Johnny never met a stranger and was kind to all he met. His glass was always half full. He had many activities that he loved being a part of over the years. His Friday Morning Men’s group, his White Memorial Koinonia Group, Church of the Apostles and his numerous golfing buddies were all a great blessing to him.

He was still the great connector, even though Frontal Temporal Dementia robbed him of some of his faculties and his business in his last years, he was still meeting new people and making connections and friends at Brookdale North Raleigh, where he resided the last 5 years. He may not have remembered their names but he was always saying “meet my new friend". Two special friends he did always remember at Brookdale were Sally Burnette and Susan Bradshaw. Sally was his dinner companion, tv companion, church Chauffer and one of the few who could keep him straight. Susan Bradshaw was a great encourager and caregiver. The family is extremely grateful for both of them and the other kind people at Brookdale.

He is survived by his three children, Beth Welsh (Jim), Johnny (Katie), and David (Dowling) as well as his ten grandchildren who called him “Dado”. Jim, Maggie Hulbert (John), Chandler and Sarah Welsh; Jack, Kate and Liza McConnell; Carson, Gracie, and Ann Davis McConnell. He is also survived by his loving siblings Bob McConnell (Margit), Molly McConnell, and Liza Layman (Tommy) His brother and sister in law Kip Ferrell (Anne) and brother in law Tom Gordon. He also loved his nephews and nieces and great nephews and nieces.

We would like to thank Renaissance House for caring for our father beyond any expectations we could have ever imagined. The love and care they showed our dad and our family the last month was like nothing we have ever experienced. Thank you to Ken and Rosie Ndoma-Ogar, Antionette, Jeannette, Sarah, Leila and Brandon- who kept him looking dapper up until his final breath.

A Celebration of Life will be held at the Church of the Apostles on March 19, 2023 at 3:00pm.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Camp Oak Hill,1528 Oak Hill Rd. Oxford, NC 27565 or Neighbor to Neighbor,1200 S Blount St. Raleigh, NC 27601.

Services provided by Brown-Wynne, 300 St. Mary's Street, Raleigh.