Wilmer "Allen" McDonald Jr.

Wilmer Allen McDonald, Jr., 84, of Raeford, North Carolina, passed away peacefully on October 5, 2025.

Born on March 28, 1941, Allen was the son of Wilmer Allen McDonald, Sr., a local business owner, and Christine Allred McDonald, a schoolteacher and homemaker. He was preceded in death by his infant brother; his son, Wilmer Allen (Mackey) McDonald III; and his wife, Betty Faulkner McDonald.

In his youth, Allen was active in the Raeford Presbyterian Church. He also enjoyed playing ball and spending time with his Dalmatian, Sport. His lifelong love of reading began during childhood summers at his grandmother’s home, where he explored her library in the now-historic J.F. Allred House in Aberdeen, North Carolina. A lover of both literature and film, Allen could lose himself just as easily in a John Grisham novel as in a classic film like The Godfather.

A proud graduate of Hoke County High School, Class of 1959, Allen was voted “Best All Around,” served as president of the Key Club, and played tackle on the football team. During his junior year, he assumed management of the family business due to his father’s illness – a responsibility he carried with maturity beyond his years.

Allen’s talent for design and natural business sense led him to establish Allen’s Limited, a local retail venture, while he continued to manage Raeford Cleaners alongside his wife, Betty. Together, they served and employed many members of the close-knit Raeford community for years to come.

In later years, Allen relocated to Wilmington, North Carolina, where he worked in the hospitality industry, spending several years at the Silver Gull. He cherished his time by the coast and enjoyed his favorite pastime, fishing, whenever he could. He eventually returned to Raeford to care for his son, Mackey, during his final illness. Diagnosed with cancer the following spring, Allen faced his own illness with remarkable grace and perseverance. His family remains deeply grateful for the four precious years they were granted with him beyond his initial prognosis.

Allen is survived by his daughter, Heidi McDonald of Southern Pines; and by his beloved grandchildren, Maddox McDonald of Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, and Mallory McDonald of Southern Pines, North Carolina.

A graveside service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, October 10, 2025, at Raeford City Cemetery.