Dr. Archibald Nock McIntosh

A beloved Marion physician, Dr. Archibald Nock McIntosh died peacefully and with long-awaited heavenly expectations during the early morning hours of Friday, July 4, 2008. He believed with great conviction that death for a Christian "is precious in the sight of the Lord." Dr. Archie, as he was affectionately called, had resided in Gaffney, S.C. for the past several years under the kind and watchful care of his son, Dr. Donald McIntosh II and the faithful staff at Peachtree Centre. Obvious to those who knew him well, Dr. Archie's heart never left his cherished Marion homeplace, but he was ever grateful for the devotion shown to him by all! From his delightful boyhood days in the mountains of western North Carolina, a half-century of a rewarding and vigorous general medical practice, 51 years of marriage to "my beautiful lady," the joys and concerns of five children, numerous church, civic and medical community involvements, and the world-wide adventures of an avid sportsman, Dr. McIntosh lived a rewarding life! Dr. McIntosh was born on July 24, 1920 in Old Fort to Dr. Donald Munro McIntosh Sr. and Bertha Nock McIntosh. His elder brother, Dr. D.M. McIntosh Jr. and sister, Ella Carolyn McIntosh preceded him in death as well as his precious wife, Estelle Washburn McIntosh and daughter, Rebecca Lee McIntosh. Dr. McIntosh attended school in Old Fort and graduated from Marion High School (1937), the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (1941), and Duke University Medical School (1944). His internship was at City Hospital and his residency at Missouri Pacific Hospital, both in St. Louis, Mo. At the close of this training, Dr. McIntosh served overseas during WWII as a medical officer in the U.S. Army Medical Corps. Returning to Marion, he began his medical career in a practice with his father and brother before their deaths in 1948 and 1955, respectively. He served in all major staff capacities during his 50-year association with the local Marion General Hospital and later McDowell Hospital. Dr. McIntosh was a member of the American Medical Association and received an Emeritus award from the N.C. Medical Society. He served as past president of the 10th District Medical Society and served on the Executive Committee of the Appalachian Regional Council. Early in his career, among many endeavors, Dr. McIntosh was active in the McDowell County Executive Club and as an organizing member of Civitan International. He was a charter member of the local Gideon International camp established in 1968. He had a lay ministry with this organization for many years and remained a Gideon until his death. Born into a Scottish Presbyterian family, Dr. McIntosh appreciated his many years under the local ministry of Dr. Carl McMurray. Later, he helped established the Missionary Alliance Church of Marion and served as an elder and Sunday School superintendent. Before he retired, "Dr. Archie" and his son, Donald, donated their lifetime collection of rocks and minerals to the McDowell Visitors' Center for an extensive display. Dr. Archie also penned and published his delightful childhood autobiography, "Little Doc," which highlighted his skill as a marvelous storyteller! Dr. McIntosh is survived by his daughter, Shearon McIntosh Cline and husband, Tom, of Marion; three sons, Dr. Donald Munro McIntosh II and wife, Debra, of Gaffney, S.C.; Archie McIntosh Jr. and wife, Jennifer, of Charlotte; Jeffrie Allen McIntosh and wife, Bonnie, of Black Mountain; 10 grandchildren who adoringly called him "Tosh," Estelle Cline Hung M.D. and husband, Patrick, of Greensboro, and Thomas Ray Cline III of Davidson, Anna McIntosh Cline of Greensboro, Elizabeth Chambers McIntosh of Boiling Springs, Donald Munro McIntosh IV and Rachel Holmes McIntosh, both of Gaffney SC., Archibald Nock McIntosh III, Jeffrey Matthew McIntosh and Avery Estelle McIntosh of Charlotte, Emily Mairi McIntosh of Columbia, S.C. and Rebecca Thomas McIntosh of Black Mountain; two great-grandsons, Isaac Alexander Hung and Ellison Hamilton Hung of Greensboro; nieces, Stelle Washburn of Blacksburg, Va. and Mary McIntosh Morski of Henderson, Nev. and Jane Carolyn McIntosh of Hendersonville; nephew, George Fred Washburn III of Poquoson, Va.; sister-in-law, Barbara Washburn of Newport News Va. The McIntosh family deeply appreciates the many years of loyalty and kindness from Dr. Archie's housekeeper, Lynell Rutherford, and his devoted friends, patients and office staff. The family will receive friends today, July 7, 2008 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Westmoreland Funeral Home in Marion. A funeral service will be held on Tuesday, July 8, 2008 at the Missionary Alliance Church of Marion at 2 p.m. with Rev. Milton A. Hollifield Sr. officiating. Burial will follow at McDowell Memorial Park. The family requests memorial donations be made to Gideon's International, PO Box 1788, Marion NC 28752 and the Missionary Alliance Church, 1014 Airport Road, Marion NC 28752. Westmoreland Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements. An online register is available under OBITUARIES at www.westmorelandfuneralhome.com.