Chris McDonald

DURHAM: Chris Bradley McDonald, 69, passed away on November 27, 2024 at Grand Strand Medical Center in Myrtle Beach. He was born in Durham to the late Thomas Fuller McDonald and Christine Sykes McDonald.
Born on August 18, 1955 at Watts Hospital in Durham. He graduated from Northern High School in 1973 and later received his degree at Sandhills Community College. Chris worked for several years at various jobs before finding his true calling as a firefighter. Chris joined the Lebanon Volunteer Fire Department in October of 1976 where he faithfully served for over 25 years in a variety of positions, including as the Fire Chief. While chief at Lebanon, Chris started the first Junior Firefighter program in Durham County and one of the first in the state. Thanks to his efforts and leadership, Chris had a significant impact on the future careers of many of those who came up through the department during his tenure. In 1987, Chris began his full-time firefighting career with the City of Durham Fire Department. Chris served as a firefighter, technician, Captain, and Battalion Chief before retiring in 2016. During Chris's time with the Durham Fire Department, he served as the city's first EMS coordinator where he was instrumental in launching the department's First Responder Medical Program. Chris was a loving father and grandfather. The things that brought him the greatest joy were family and grandchildren, golf (like his parents), travel, and spending time at the beach.
Mr. McDonald is survived by his daughter, Blair McDonald Welborn and husband Spencer, his son, Cole McDonald and wife Peggy; former spouse, Carolyn Snipes; brothers, Tom McDonald and wife Betsy, Todd McDonald and wife Kim; sister, Gayle King and husband Ray; grandchildren, Addison and Brooks Welborn, numerous cousins, nieces and nephews.
A memorial service will be held at 4:00 pm on Saturday, December 14th at Aldersgate United Methodist Church in Durham. The family will receive friends prior to the service from 2:00 to 4:00 pm.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations be made to North Carolina Fallen Firefighter Foundation. PO Box 144 Mocksville, NC 27028. https://www.ncfff.org