Donald McLean Obituary
GREENSBORO — Donald Edward McLean, 60, went to be with his Lord and Savior on March 3, 2010.
Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m., Monday, March 8, 2010, at Forbis and Dick - Guilford Chapel. The Rev. John Kimmons will officiate. Entombment will follow at Lakeview Memorial Park Mausoleum.
Don was born March 28, 1949, in Danville, Va., to Edward and Elva "Ebbie" Ashworth McLean. He graduated from Page High School in Greensboro, attended the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and graduated from Greensboro College.
After a career in advertising and public relations, Don spent his latter years involved in real estate, caregiving, and sharing his faith in Jesus Christ with others. He was a man of character, conviction, and love and loyalty to family and friends. He enjoyed music (especially Beach), old movies, politics, golf, long walks in the park, and making friends.
Don is survived by his parents, brother Mickey McLean, sister-in-law Tammie McLean, and niece Maddie McLean, all of Greensboro.
The family will receive friends 4-6 p.m., Sunday, March 7, 2010, at Forbis and Dick - Guilford Chapel. Online condolences may be made to www.forbisanddick.com.
Memorial contributions may be made to Caldwell Academy, 2900 Horse Pen Creek Road, Greensboro, NC 27410.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Carlton Vinson
March 9, 2010
It came as a great shock this morning to learn from Mickey about the passing of Don McLean. It breaks my heart that I didn't find out in time to make it to Greensboro to say good-bye, so I hope those of you who see this will indulge me.
Don and I were two of the partners in and ad agency and golf and travel promotions company in the late 1980s. What made working together so much fun was that we were so similar in our interests — golf, the Tar Heels and beach music. The fact that we were doing what we loved made what we did for a living so enjoyable.
The greatest thing about Don was his ability to always leave you feeling better than you did before you saw him. He never let pass the opportunity to build you up in somehow, a trait that is too often missing today.
After I left Greensboro and moved back to Raleigh in 1990, we stayed in touch only occasionally. Our great friendship was renewed at, of all places, Fat Harold's in North Myrtle Beach during SOS a couple of years ago. I was dancing with my partner, Brandi — in my element and oblivious to the world — when the last person I expected to see walked up an said hello.
We talked about the good old days in Greensboro, playing golf and traveling the state from one end to the other. I introduced him to Brandi and the three of us shared a while just enjoying the music we loved. Then he spent the last half hour telling us how much he enjoyed watching us dance and how he just knew we would be successful. Typical Don . . . couldn't leave without lifting you up somehow.
Though we stayed in touch since that day, it was the last time I ever saw Don. But what a memory . . . and hour and a half recapping some of the best times of our lives. Looking back, it must have been God's hand at work. Don, as James Taylor said, " I always thought that I'd see you again."
Somewhere in the heaven of my own heart and soul there is a beautiful golf course on the ocean. A shag club serves as the 19th hole, featuring the best DJs and the perfect dance floor. On the TV over the corner, the Tar Heels are playing basketball.
Don, make us a tee time and get us all a table near the front corner of the dance floor so you can talk to everyone. We'll all be there before you know it.
God Bless Don and all those who came to know him.
John Scoglio
March 9, 2010
Don and I sat next to each other for a couple of years when we worked in the Advertising dept of the News & Record. We shared a lot of laughs. I'm glad I got to know him.
Dave Compton
March 8, 2010
I only knew Don for a short time thanks to Facebook, but it was like we had known each other for many years.
He was a fine Christian Friend.
I will miss you Don!
M. Louise Cancemi
March 8, 2010
You are in my thoughts and prayers.
I remember you with positive thoughts and am grateful to have you as my friend.
Don, you were a wonderful person and you will be missed.
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Ginny Seawell Maynard
March 7, 2010
Don's family, I share your loss. Don was my facebook friend. We shared stories about Greensboro in the 60's & 70's especially ones involving the K & W. I will miss our chatting back & forth. I will say a special prayer in church this morning.
Robert Boren
March 6, 2010
Don was a devoted friend to my beloved Aunt Margaret who preceded him in death and a good friend to me on many occasions.
Cindy & David Boger
March 6, 2010
Mickey and family,
We share in your loss and grieve with you. More importantly, the Lord grieves with you and understands your suffering. May His strong arms hold you up and his compassionate heart, heal all of your pain.
Cindy & David Boger
Joe Cancemi
March 6, 2010
Don, You left us too soon, you made it a point to enjoy life, music and friends. You will be sorely missed. Give Shelly a scratch behind the ear and tummy rub for Lou and I!
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