John Borden McKinnon

McKinnon, John Borden

September 23, 1934 - May 3, 2024

John Borden McKinnon entered peacefully into life triumphant on Friday, May 3, 2024. John was born on September 23, 1934, in Lumberton, NC, the youngest son of Margaret Borden McKinnon and Henry Alexander McKinnon. He attended Lumberton High School and Duke University, where he graduated in 1956 with an AB in History. He then entered the Air Force, and the following year married his wife of 66 years, Grace Danhoff. In 1961 he received an MBA from Harvard Business School. His early business career in venture capital took him to Florida and California. He then returned to North Carolina, first with Duplan Corporation and then with Hanes, where he served as Treasurer. When Hanes was acquired by Sara Lee, Inc., John and Grace moved to Chicago, where they both became engaged in the civic life of the Windy City, building deep friendships in the arts, faith, and philanthropic communities. Following his presidency of Sara Lee, John returned to Winston-Salem to serve as Dean of the Babcock School of Business at Wake Forest University from 1989-1995. There he also taught business ethics, a topic dear to his heart. Throughout their years in Winston-Salem, John served its many institutions dedicated to education, arts, social needs, and development. He consulted for businesses, and coached leaders and young entrepreneurs.

In retirement, John remained active on business and not-for-profit boards for many years. He and Grace continued their faithful service to the Presbyterian Church. They enjoyed traveling with their children and grandchildren, visiting the family cottage on Oak Island, NC, and working with historic preservation. They bought an 1830's farmstead in Nelson County, VA, which became a favorite retreat for gardening and wonderful gathering place for friends and family. John and Grace were gifted hosts and loved bringing people together.

John will be remembered for his kindness, wisdom, and humility, as well as his deep faith in God, his love of storytelling, and his commitment to service. He invested time and energy in close friends and strangers in need. Many cherished his wise counsel, encouragement, and compassion. John thought deeply, gave generously, and loved unconditionally.

John was preceded in death by his parents and his brothers Sandy and Arnold McKinnon. He is survived by his wife, Grace Danhoff McKinnon; three children: Alex McKinnon (Deirdre) of Charlotte, Margaret Gardner (David) of Washington, DC, Grace Andringa (Mark) of Chapel Hill; six grandchildren: Katherine Gardner, Gabriel Gardner, Zachary Gardner, Peter Andringa, Tyler Andringa, Emily Andringa; and a sister-in-law, Oriana McKinnon.

A Celebration of Life service will be held Monday, May 13, at 2 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church, Winston-Salem, NC. A reception will follow from 3 to 5 p.m. at the Elberson Fine Arts Center, 412 Rams Dr, Winston-Salem, NC 27101.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the National Trust for Historic Preservation, 600 14th Street NW, Suite 500, Washington, DC 20005; Trellis Hospice, 101 Hospice Ln., Winston-Salem, NC 27103; or to a charity of your choice. Online condolences may be made through www.salemfh.com.

Salem Funeral & Cremation Service

2951 Reynolda Rd., Winston-Salem, NC 27106