Leo Franklin McDonald, aged 91, of Lillington, North Carolina, passed away on May 1, 2026. Leo, the second of four children, was born November 21,1934, to the late Josie Avent and John Daniel McDonald. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a daughter, Gwen McDonald; sisters, Dorothy Bishop and Janet Stone; a brother, Charlie McDonald; and a step-grandson, Justin. Left to cherish his memory is his loving wife of 71 years, Pat Woodley McDonald; his son, Johnny McDonald and wife April; his granddaughter, Ann Marie; and a great-granddaughter, Lotus “Bug”.

Leo’s life was defined by hard work, service, faith, and family. He graduated from Lillington High School where he excelled in all sports, especially basketball. Leo also attended the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. In 1952 at a movie in downtown Lillington, Leo bought Pat a coke in a little red cup which began a lifetime of love. Pat still has the little red cup. In 1954 he and Pat were married.

Leo believed in hard work. His first job was behind the soda fountain in Kelly’s Drugstore, but he soon found his calling in the furniture industry. He worked for Wilbourne Furniture Company and later acquired Yarborough Furniture. After Mr. Wilbourne retired, he returned to where he started and purchased what would become McDonald’s Furniture and maintained that store until his retirement. He was a successful businessman.

Leo believed in community service. Throughout his adult life he served his beloved hometown well. He was a member and past president of the Chamber of Commerce. When he retired from his furniture business, the chamber recognized him as Business Person of the Year. He served on the Summerville Fire Department board, the local Southern National Bank board, local BB&T board, and the zoning board for the town of Lillington He was also a member of the Lillington Jaycees where he was recognized as one of the ten outstanding presidents in the state. He also won the service award as Lillington’s Man of the Year. Leo had a special love for the Lions Club which recently recognized him for 55 years of membership. During those years he served as a charter member and past president of the Lillington Lions and received the Jack Stickley Fellowship award, the highest honor given by the North Carolina Lions Foundation for humanitarian service. In 2003 he devoted hours to the Town of Lillington Centennial Committee where his efforts resulted in a wonderful parade celebration.

Leo believed in a deep faith. He was a member of Lillington Methodist Church and served in numerous offices. He was a Sunday school teacher and served on the finance committee.

Leo believed most of all in family. In his later years, Leo found joy in researching his family’s genealogy and visiting relatives. With declining health, he still accompanied Pat for her weekly hair appointment. They shared with friends that then they would visit the “food court” (Bunnlevel Grill) for hamburgers and coke; then go across the street to “the mall” (The Dollar General).

These are precious memories for all his many friends, for his son who calls his dad his hero, and for his wife who still has the little red coke cup from 1952.

The family will receive friends from 6:00-8:00 PM Monday, May 4, 2026, at O’Quinn-Peebles-Phillips Funeral Home in Lillington. A funeral service will be held at 2:00 PM Tuesday, May 5, 2026, at Lillington United Methodist Church with Rev. Michael Binger and Rev. Kent Miller officiating. Burial will follow in Westview Cemetery.