Don Kendrick McGraw

Don Kendrick McGraw, 93, passed away on January 23, 2024, in Greensboro, North Carolina. He was born on November 22, 1930, in Fort Smith, Arkansas. Don was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend.

As part of the Silent Generation, born between 1928 and 1945, Don embodied traditional values and was known for his loyalty, hard work, and respectfulness. He was thrifty with a dollar and took pride in providing for his family. Don's greatest achievement was his family, with whom he expressed his love openly and often. Alongside his sweet disposition, he had a playful, impish behavior that endeared him to all who knew and loved him. He frequently used the affectionate nickname "honey" when expressing his love.

Don is survived by his wife, Barbara (Bobbie) Blackburn Potter; his children David Kendrick McGraw, Kay McGraw Jones (Don), and Paul Randall McGraw (Mary Jo), as well as stepsons Richard Wayne Potter (Ursula) and Glenn Allen Potter. He also leaves behind 15 cherished grandchildren and sister, Carolyn McGraw Hennessey. Don was preceded in death by his first wife Paula Slack McGraw, his father Charles Kendrick McGraw, and his mother Ercell Curtis McGraw.

In his educational journey, Don attended Fort Smith High School and later graduated from the University of Arkansas in 1954 where he earned a degree in Business Administration.

Don proudly served in the US Army and Air Force Reserve from 1948 to 1954, displaying his dedication and commitment to his country. Stationed at the U.S Military Academy in West Point, N.Y., Don played the french horn in the marching band and bravely protected upstate New York and the Hudson Valley from enemy invasion.

In 1952, Don married Paula Slack in Ft. Smith, Arkansas. The couple lived throughout the southeastern U.S. during their 33-year marriage. Don and Paula had three children, David, Kay and Randy. In 1985, Paula passed away from complications of a brain tumor. In 1986, Don was blessed to fall in love with Barbara (Bobbie) Potter. Don and Bobbie were married for 38 years until his passing.

Don began his career working for Firestone Tire and Rubber Co. from 1954 until his retirement in 1985. He then joined Edwards Warren Truck Tire Center, where he worked until 1987. Following retirement, Don and Bobbie teamed up selling real estate for Prudential Carolina Real Estate in Greensboro.

Don found solace and community in his strong faith. He attended both Faith Presbyterian Church and Westminster Presbyterian Church.

In his free time, Don enjoyed playing golf and traveling on golf trips with his friends. However, his true joy came from spending time with his family, creating cherished memories that will be treasured forever.

A memorial service will be held on Monday, January 29, 2024, 2 PM at Advantage Funeral and Cremation Services, 1900 Vanstory Street, Greensboro, NC 27403. Following the memorial service, a celebration of life reception will be at Oden Brewing Company, 802 W. Gate City Blvd., Greensboro, NC. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made in his memory to Clapps Nursing Home Activity Fund, 5229 Appomattox Rd, Pleasant Garden, NC 27313 (336) 674-2252

The McGraw family would like to give special recognition and express our deepest gratitude to Clapps Nursing Home for their loving, sweet staff who provided such great care and counsel to all of us and especially Don during his last month of life.

Don Kendrick McGraw will be deeply missed by all who knew him. His legacy of love, hard work, and devotion to family will continue to inspire those who were fortunate to have shared in his life.