Dr. Hugh M. McArn

LAURINBURG — Dr. Hugh M. McArn, Jr. passed away in his sleep early Tuesday morning, Aug. 4, 2015 at the age of 91 and a half.

Born in Laurinburg on Feb. 4, 1924 as the first child of Hugh M. McArn, Sr., Postmaster, and Marie Covington McArn, Hugh grew up in the Laurinburg Presbyterian Church, graduated in 1942 from Laurinburg High School and matriculated at Davidson College before enlisting in the Marine Corps in 1943 to serve on Guam until his honorable discharge in 1945.

In 1946 he returned to Davidson College, and met the compelling and beautiful Mary Susan Crump as she was working for attorney Jennings King in Laurinburg. Hugh earned a B.S. degree in chemistry in 1949, and began studies at Duke Medical School. Upon graduation in 1953, the very next day – on March 21 – Hugh and Susan were married and remained so for the next 62 years. They moved to Richmond, Virginia for his medical internship at the Medical College of Virginia, returning to Laurinburg to establish a local medical practice on July 11, 1955. He practiced medicine with his whole heart, delivering babies, making house calls and hospital rounds and caring for all people, including some of the poorest folks of the county.

He retired on July 11, 2000 from his vocation as a doctor, but continued his widespread presence in the community, including his lifelong involvement in the Laurinburg Presbyterian Church where he taught Sunday School and was a ruling elder most of his adult life. He went on mission trips to Mexico, faithfully attended Rotary gatherings, and served as staff physician at St. Andrew's Presbyterian College and on the Scotland County school board, supporting the integration of the high school.

He is survived by his wife, Susan McArn, and four children: Michael, the Rev. Jeffrey, Dr. Hope Weeks, and Meg Clunan and six grandchildren. He is also survived by his sister Jean McArn Horton and predeceased by his brother Kenneth Hunter McArn.

He will be remembered and celebrated in a graveside funeral service at Hillside Cemetery in Laurinburg on Saturday, August 8 at 10 a.m.

Memorials are requested for Laurinburg Presbyterian Church, 600 W. Church St., Laurinburg, NC 28352.

McDougald Funeral Home and Crematorium is serving the family.

A more complete biography and memorial register may be found at mcdougald.com