John C. Council Jr. M.D.

November 4, 1935 - July 18, 2024

Charlotte, North Carolina - Dr Council, age 88, died Thursday, July 18, 2024 as the result of a stroke.

John was born in Wilson, NC to Inez Stanley and John Cromartie Council. He spent his early years in Winston-Salem and Charlotte, attending Myers Park High School and graduating from RJ Reynolds High School in Winston-Salem. His pre-med years were at Duke University, ultimately graduating from UNC School of Medicine with honors. John's pediatric residency training was at University of Rochester in New York at Strong Memorial Hospital, and at the US Naval Hospital in San Diego, CA. He was proud to have served 6 years in the US Navy, where he retired as Lieutenant Commander in the Medical Corps.

Dr. Council began his pediatric practice in Charlotte in 1968 with McLean Pediatrics. The practice grew and became Providence Pediatrics, where he continued working until his semi-retirement in 1997. During these years he served as Head of Pediatrics at both Presbyterian (Novant) and CMC (Atrium) Hospitals. He was grateful for the opportunity to care for so many children.

John spent many years enjoying his mountain home in Cashiers, NC, where he often played golf at High Hampton with his golden retrievers, Hampton and later Hoagie. He loved the game of golf and the friends he made on and off the course. He also loved running and for over 30 years participated in many races and marathons. John was happiest when surrounded by family….unless there was a Duke basketball game on!

John was a gentle soul who will be so missed by those who knew him best. He was preceded in death by his parents; his sister, Jane Council Carter; his wife and mother of his three daughters, Elizabeth Wright Council; as well as his stepsons Chris and Andy Page.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 26 years, Mary Council, and his daughters: Ashley Council of Charlotte; Margaret Ruark and her husband Jim of Granite Falls, NC; and Mary Purser and her husband Derrick of Waxhaw NC. Additionally, he is survived by Mary's daughter Julie Page Smith and her husband Josh of Charlotte, as well as her daughter-in-law Laura Barsotti of Mill Valley, CA. His grandchildren were such a blessing to him: Ian and Keegan (Emma) Ruark; Blair and Natalie Griffin; Thomas and Sarah Purser; Jackson, Kingston and Ryder Page; and Ada Lee and Frankie Smith. He was excited to be able to meet his great grandson Riggins Ruark, who was born May 4, 2024. He is also survived by his sisters-in-law, Ann Levina and Geri Ingle and a special group of nieces and nephews, as well as his best friend, Dr. Duncan Morton and his best dog friend, Murphy.

John was a long-standing member of Christ Episcopal Church where there will be a private service with his family.

The family is extremely grateful to Atrium ICU nurse, Lisa Price. She went beyond any expectations in caring for John as well as his family.

Memorial gifts may be made to the donor's choice or

Christ Episcopal Church

1412 Providence Road

Charlotte, NC 28207

Or

Humane Society of Charlotte

1348 Parker Drive

Charlotte, NC 28208

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Charlotte Observer on Jul. 24, 2024.

Memories and Condolences
for John Council

11 Entries

Kay (nee: Covington) Fragale

October 19, 2024

At Myers Park High, we all knew him as Johnny. He was always so smart and always such a gentleman. I remember Johnny as extremely handsome, and very popular with the girls (boys too). I haven't kept up with him since high school, but I can tell by the comments here that he was successful and very well liked by his patients and the families. My sympathy to his family.

Amanda

September 3, 2024

Dr Council was my doctor growing up. He was always so kind to me and showed so much patience. I was always uneasy about going to the doctor and he had such a special way that it made me feel comfortable. Now that I'm in my 50's I recognize what a special person it takes to work with children and their parents. Thank you Dr Council for all the young lives you positively impacted through the years and for sincerely caring. My deepest sympathies go out to his loved ones.

Evia

August 1, 2024

Dr. Council was our son´s pediatrician. He was kind, gentle, smart, humble ....the best. We saw Dr Council, his wife and grand children last Summer at Dairy Queen at Cotswold. We spoke and thanked him for being our pediatrician. Peace and Love to Dr Council´s Family.

Woolard Family

J Barker

July 27, 2024

Dr. Council was a wonderful man. Not only did we see him as children, he also occasionally saw my children when they were young. My aunt was also his nurse for a good many years. The care he gave was unmatched. The world has lost a great man. Prayers for the family!

Gary Thomas

July 25, 2024

Dr. Council was my (and my 4 brothers) childhood doctor late 60s/70s when he was with McLean Pediatrics on 3rd Street. I remember yet his wonderful manner and gentle smile and I'll always be grateful for his care when I had mono as a 5th grader. I was fortunate to have him as a doctor.

Robert L Fenning,MD

July 25, 2024

John was a very close friend who I first met in Charlotte. He was a wonderful father, husband and doctor. We played golf and ran together for many years.
My sympathies to his wife Mary and his family.
Robert L Fenning, MD

Robby Tatum

July 25, 2024

Dr. Council was our son's (Matthew) doctor for years. He helped us all through some tough times...and we will be forever grateful. He was a great man and will always be remembered. Best to all the family. Robby and Jeanne Tatum

Kathy Thompson

July 24, 2024

He was my pediatrician. Then when I was in nursing school and in the newborn nursery for a rotation, he saw me and he said you´re that Thompson kid aren´t you and I said yes, sir I am. He was a great man.

Laura

July 24, 2024

Dr. Council´s bedside manner set the standard for all future care providers and none were ever as good as Dr. Council. He was so gentle and kind and always had a twinkle in his eye and a stick of sugar free gum to give me at the end of my appointment. He was one in a million! So thankful to have been under his care when I was growing up. A big thank you to his family for sharing Dr. Council with us all.

Sylvia Williams Adkins

July 24, 2024

Dr. Council was my children's pediatrician for years. He was a wonderful doctor and person. He will be missed by many for the care he gave our children. My thoughts of sympathy will be with his family and friends.

Nick and Olga Kleto

July 24, 2024

All our family and friends shared Dr. Council as pediatrician to our children in the 70s. We were so fortunate to have had such a kind, attentive, sweet, and knowledgeable doctor. May his memory be eternal.

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