Edgar Larry McDonald

Edgar Larry McDonald, 82, of Pittsboro, North Carolina, went to his heavenly home on Monday, November 25, 2024, at Chatham Hospital, surrounded by loved ones. Born on March 23, 1942, at his family’s home on Graham Bridge Road in Rockingham, NC, Larry entered the world at a time of great sacrifice, as his father, Edgar Benford McDonald, was serving as a WWII pilot. Tragically, Larry’s mother, Margaret Herring McDonald, passed away shortly after his birth, but his aunt and uncle, Roy and Alma McDonald, took him in as their own and raised him alongside their nine children. It was here, in this home full of love, that Larry quickly grew to cherish the bonds of sibling-hood. When his father returned from WWII, he met Mavis Lee Tew, a beautiful nurse from Dunn, NC, who soon became known as "Mother" to Larry. 

Larry’s early years took him from Rockingham to Dunn, Southern Pines, and ultimately to Sanford for high school, where he became known for his athletic abilities, excelling in multiple sports. His talent in football earned him a scholarship to Florida State, though he didn’t take it & would attend Wingate College for a short time before choosing to serve his country in the U.S. Air Force. His military service took him to Wichita, Kansas, and Azores, Portugal, where he forged lasting memories. 

After his enlistment, Larry moved to Pittsboro. He coached Little League baseball, worked as a bank manager in Moncure, sold insurance, and worked with close friends Russell Cooper and Buddy Thomas in the construction business. His career culminated with his work as a rural mail carrier for the U.S. Postal Service, from which he retired. 

In Pittsboro, Larry met Brenda Sue Williams, who became his first wife and the mother of their two daughters, Cecilia McDonald Pilkington and Larilee McDonald Isley. After Brenda's passing, Larry found love once again with Edyie Kennedy Cooper, and together, they formed a blended family that included her three sons: Greg, Doug, and Randy Cooper. His first proud Papa moments were shared with Clay & Ross Cooper. 

In his later years, Larry returned to the McDonald family home—the place where his life began. There, he enjoyed the camaraderie of his “siblings” and rekindled his love of the outdoors, including field trials in Hoffman and cherished moments with his bird hunting friends.  

Despite the challenges of his declining health over the past five years, Larry remained deeply connected to his family. He spent precious time with his daughters, son-in-law, Kenneth Pilkington, and granddaughters, Kaci Lee Isley and Lilli Pilkington, attending barrel races and sheep shows, enjoying sports with his extended grandson Andrew Pilkington and coon hunting with his loyal friend Earl McLaurin. He also found joy in staying connected with the McDonald clan through zoom calls. 

This man was as tough as nails, second to none in smack talk, good looks, and athletic ability (and if you ever doubted it, he’d proudly tell you himself!), Larry was a force of nature. But behind his strong frame was a heart even bigger than his stature, full of love and loyalty for those he cherished. He found joy in watching a good dog work, a horse do its thing, and above all else, he loved his four girls with all his being.  

His larger-than-life presence, his stories, and his unshakable love will live on in the memories we hold dear. We’ll treasure those moments, laugh at his antics, and continue to tell his stories, as he would want.  In his words, “I’ve run a good race,” and indeed, he has. Larry McDonald’s life was one of resilience, humor, and love, and while we will miss him dearly, we find peace knowing we will see him again.  

A celebration of Larry’s life will be held at Smith & Buckner Funeral Home in Siler City, NC on Saturday, November 30, 2024, at 2:00 p.m. officiated by Pastor Wesley Thomas. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to Cool Water Cowboy Church, PO Box 4981, Sanford, NC 27331 or McDonald Baptist Church Cemetery Fund, 259 McDonald Church Rd, Rockingham, NC 28379.   

The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to each of his caregivers and the staff at Chatham Hospital.