John Douglas Starr

John Douglas Starr “Johnny”, 84, died peacefully at Abbotswood on February 12, 2026. John was born on December 31, 1941, in Greensboro to John William Starr and Katherine Blair Starr. He was pre-deceased by his wife, Lacy Coble Starr. He is survived by his children Tracy Linn Starr, John Douglas Starr, Jr.(Doug), Katherine Starr Garrison (Kristy), son-in-law Harley Shuford Garrison, grandchildren Kate and Caroline Garrison, and his sister Katherine Starr Brown.

John was educated at Lindley Junior High School, Greensboro Senior High School (Grimsley) class of 1960, and attended East Carolina University and Guilford College. He enlisted in the U.S. Army Reserves and trained at Ft. Jackson, SC and at Ft. Bragg, NC where he was a Drill Sergeant.

He returned to Greensboro and began working at Starr Electric Company as a second-generation electrical contractor. He became President in 1980 and spent his entire career at Starr Electric Co. until it was sold in 2020 after 92 years. John was actively involved in the electrical contracting industry. He was a founding member of the Carolinas Electrical Contractors Association (CECA), where he served in many leadership roles, including President, over the course of 41 years. He was also a member of the Southeastern Electrical Contractors Association (SECA).

John was a life-long Greensboro native, a city near and dear to his heart. He was a member of the Masonic Order Lodge 542, Greensboro Shrine Club, and the Greensboro Jaycees. John received the Old North State’s highest honor by being inducted into the Order of the Long Leaf Pine by former Governor Pat McCrory in 2014.

He was an avid golfer and could often be found on the golf course with friends. He was also an excellent upland bird hunter, and enjoyed watching his beloved family dogs hunt the quail fields and pine forests of North and South Carolina, Georgia, Texas, and South Dakota. He valued the friendships he’d made on the golf course, in the quail fields, at the office, and around town. Those who knew him well, knew he had a great sense of humor, was a loyal friend, could shag with the best of them, and enjoyed a short glass of fine scotch at the end of a long day.

The family would like to thank the health care providers at Abbotswood Irving Park and his personal caregivers for their loving care. A private graveside service has been planned for the family.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Shriners Children's Hospital, Attn: Shriners Children's, Processing Center, PO Box 947765, Atlanta, GA 30394.

Hanes-Lineberry N. Elm Chapel is assisting the Starr Family. Online condolences may be offered at www.haneslineberryfhnorthelm.com.