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Douglas McClure Obituary
Douglas Bryan McClure, Pioneer In The Art of Incentive Negotiation For US Corporations, Dies at 63.
McClure - Douglas Bryan of Figure Eight Island, NC, the consummate family man, prominent civic leader, accomplished businessman, and former football standout, passed away at his beloved beachfront home with his family by his side. He was 63. Bryan was a true renaissance man with a 40+ year career that spanned banking, real estate, education, and economic development. While he found success in all of these endeavors, it was in economic development - a field he joined in the late 1980's as an economic development director for Northampton County, NC - where he was to make his imprint, first in a series of increasingly prominent public sector jobs, including as the Chief Development Officer for the Michigan Jobs Commission, and then in the private sector as the founder of the Blair Group and ROI Consultants. A 1995 profile in the Wall Street Journal described Bryan as a " New Breed of Site Consultant", later capturing his essential spirit in a quoted response to a question about his aggressive negotiating style: "When I see someone without a job, I just ache for them - I want to do everything in my power to help." Bryan's work helped create tens of thousands of jobs and billions of dollars of investment. Well known for his vocabulary, sharp wit, and ability to articulate, Bryan was a sought after public speaker at many national forums. In 1991 he gave the keynote speech at the Global Economic Forum in Sao Paulo, Brazil.
While his accomplishments in business, civic leadership, and football will long be remembered, his greatest legacy will be his commitment to family.
Bryan was born in Valdese, NC, the son of the late Eris Louise Benfield McClure and Julius Plato McClure. He received a B.A. degree in Geography from East Carolina University and later studied at the Harvard-Kennedy School of Government, focusing on public administration. At East Carolina University, Bryan was the captain of the football team and upon graduation he was invited to play for the Miami Dolphins. Bryan was a former President of the Cape Fear Red Cross, founder of the McClure School of Real Estate, Appraiser, Broker, and active member of the Episcopal Church.
He is survived by his wife of 43 years, Kathryn Walters McClure; two sons; Douglas Bryan McClure, Jr. and wife, Anne of Bluffton, SC, and English Blaine McClure and wife Colby of Raleigh, NC; three daughters, Blair McClure Husain and husband Fazle, Sara McClure Peters and husband Ryan, and Sloan McClure Overstrom and husband Alex, all of Manhattan, NY; three brothers, Bruce McClure of Anderson, SC, Greg McClure of Southport, SC, and the late Gary Scott McClure; two sisters, Judy Middleton and Deborah Randal, of Atlanta, GA; eleven grandchildren, Elizabeth, Sara, Charlotte, and Trice McClure of Bluffton, SC; Sloan, Blaine, Walker, and Shields McClure of Raleigh, NC; Harris, Hannah, and Asher Husain of Manhattan, NY: and one more on the way.
A private funeral service was held at his family farm, Sweetbriar Farm in Morganton, NC on Friday, November 25. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the St. Jude's Children's Hospital, PO Box 1000, Department 142, Memphis, TN 38148. http://www.stjude.org/
Online condolences at StarNewsOnline.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Douglas McClure
Rob Hicks
December 3, 2011
Dear Kit, Sloan, Blair, Sara, Bryan, and Blaine,
I was told by a friend from Lowe's that Bryan had passed away in November. Needless to say I shocked and deeply saddened by the news. He was a dear friend, confidant, and co-worker. He was certainly a gift from God at a time when I desperately needed help planning and acquiring property for the distribution network at Lowe's. He was a critical component of the growth of Lowe's from just a few distribution centers to over 30, which resulted in over 20,000 jobs being created in areas that desperately needed them. His skill as a tough negotiator was only part of what he added to the team. He actually made it fun, with his quick wit, sense of humor, and at times outrageous performances at meetings with local economic development people (which often brought many laughs in post mortem dinners). I learned much from his ability to balance intense work with his family, which he was so proud of. Although I got to know a few of you, I felt like I knew each of you personally…even the grandchildren, since he talked about you all so often. I also have fond memories of side trips between meetings that added a little variety to the trips: Mt. St. Helens; Joy rides at Universal Studios in Orlando (the first ever for me..and never again); Walking on the beach during a visit to your house; Hiking up to the flower gardens in Portland; Eating buffalo burgers in LA; having dinner on St. Patrick's Day at a gay restaurant in Denver (we didn't know until Debbie noticed); Attending my first rodeo in San Antonio; Cancelling his flight from Seattle to Raleigh to take care of me with food poisoning; and how could I forget the “forgotten” tickets to Riverdance (he told me you were standing in the rain trying to buy scalped tickets, while he was parking the car), only to sit in front row seats. He always had a creative way to make an ordinary event unique. What a joy it was just to be with him. I know he will be sorely missed by you and all who knew him. My prayer is that you go through intense grieving now, and that it quickly becomes joyful memories of the gift God gave you all and me. My Hope is that I will see him again in the next life.
God Bless,
Rob
Alvah Ward
November 30, 2011
I was greatly distressed to learn of Bryan's passing. He served briefly as a development representative with the N.C. Dept. of Commerce while I was Director of Business/Industry Development. Although his approach to incentive driven recruitment was and is controversal, Bryan was a pioneer in this approach which led to jobs that were welcome.
Again, my deepest sympathy to the family
Alvah H. Ward, Jr.
November 30, 2011
Dear Kit,
So sorry to hear about Bryan. Susan and I just recently looked at yours and Bryan's reception at Matt's house 43 years ago. You and Bryan have accomplished so much since that day 43 years ago. Your large family will give you comfort during these coming months and know that your Monroe families and friends are there for you too. God Bless and prayers are coming your way.
Love to all,
Sharon Shirley Steele
Debbie and David Whitley
November 29, 2011
Kit, David and I are so sorry for your loss. Our prayers are with you and your family.
Paul Weathersbee
November 29, 2011
I met Bryan in 1966 when he reported for Freshmen football at ECU. Bryan was the tailback on our undefeated freshmen team. We loved "Peppy", our nick name for Bryan. He was a winner, with a confident swager that lead us to believe we could beat anyone. It was an honor to have known Bryan!
November 29, 2011
Dear McClure Family,
We are sorry for your loss. Bryan certainly did take our Michael under his wing and encouraged him to go out on his own. My mother saw Mike Jr a few days before she died so I know we really will be together again. Best love and prayers to all of your great family members.
Love
Anthony Westmoreland
November 29, 2011
I only met Bryan on a handful of occasions, but even in those brief encounters he made large impressions. He always made me and others ( from what I observed of him) feel like they belonged and were welcome. It is rare in these times to meet a person that you wish you were able to know better. He was one of these rarities.
November 28, 2011
While I did not know Bryan personally, however I do remember his name. My oldest brother, Tom, played football with him, and I am proud to be a Mustang (Class of '75). I read his obituary with awe to see such an accomplished career, both in sports, family, and business. I, too, used to very actively civically before an illness, yet the world is in such need of such leaders and men. May you be comforted by God and that Bryan made such an impact on the world.
Regards,
George Kantsios
Sue Waller
November 28, 2011
Kit: Please accept our most heartfelt sympathies for your loss…our thoughts are with you and your family, words are inadequate to express the sadness we feel about Bryan's death. Sue Waller & Family
November 28, 2011
I am deeply saddened to hear of Brian's passing. He was a good friend and I have wonderful memories of high school football and those unforgettable years we spent at Myers Park. I grive with his family over this sad loss and will always remember Brian with great fondness.
Neb Hayden, Gainesville, GA.
Brett Jarrett
November 28, 2011
Family,
I had the privilege to work with Bryan as he assisted Lowe's in our expansion program. Bryan was a wonderful individual who always had a kind word and a smile to share. May God bless you during this time.
November 28, 2011
Bryan was, and always will be a wonderful friend. He was funny, a tour de force-- when he came into a room, the room was his. Bryan was also an accomplished mentor, and I was blessed to be the recipient of many instances of his kindness and advice. He loved, and was very proud of his family.
Respect, Sadness, and Love
Joe Hilton-Wilkes County
Nancy Wiggins
November 27, 2011
We are so sorry to see a great Mustang "66 fall. Bryan lived up to our classes legacy and will be missed by all. My love and sympathies to the family. Nancy Bowen Wiggins
Janis (Shirley) Griffin
November 27, 2011
Kit, I am so sorry to hear this. You and all of your family will be in my thoughts and prayers. God Bless....Janis
November 27, 2011
Kit, Please know that you and all your family are in my thoughts and in my prayers. May God hold you close and provide you comfort, Sincerely. Margaret Desio
Henry Moncure
November 27, 2011
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Kathy Martin
November 27, 2011
My heart goes out to the entire McClure family. Such a wonderful man - husband, father, and grandfather. I am so privileged to have known Bryan. I know he will be greatly missed, but i am assured the McClure family will be there for one another! I love you all!
Kathy Martin
Catherine Creed Coury
November 27, 2011
My condolences to you all. Your father was a wonderful dad and husband. I know he will be missed by all that new him. Sincerely,
Cathy Creed Coury
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