Duncan John McCormick, Jr.

Duncan John (D.J.) McCormick, Jr passed away Wednesday evening, February 3rd  following a short illness.  He was born September 10, 1924, the only child of Duncan John Sr and Sarah (Sally) Elliot McCormick.  D.J. grew up in Laurinburg, graduated from Laurinburg High School and served in WW ll where he served in the US Army infantry and later as an MP in Europe.  He returned to Laurinburg in 1945 and began working for John F. McNair, Inc.  While working for McNair’s, he set-up a shop in his garage and taught himself the locksmith trade.  In 1973, he realized his dream and started a business of his own.  With his son Kenny by his side, they have operated Security, Lock and Hardware on East Church Street for nearly 48 years.  They were both locksmiths and professionals, but a visit to their store was like stepping back in time and visiting a general store in Mayberry.  Many of D.J.’s buddies have taken a tenure of employment there after their retirements. There was always lots of conversation and staring out the front window watching the cars drive by.  At 96 years old, D.J., still opened his store promptly at 8am each morning until last Friday. 

D.J. is one of the last of The Greatest Generation.  He was humble & honorable.   A man of strong character & integrity.  He was good to his word and could sign a deal with a handshake. He was a faithful servant of the Lord and a life-long member of the Laurinburg Presbyterian Church, serving as Deacon and chairing the maintenance & grounds committee for many years.  He was also the oldest member of The American Legion post #50. 

However, D.J.’s legacy is most notably his care and dedication to his family.  He cared for his handicapped son, Mackey, in the home until age 90.  When Mackey moved to Scotia Village six years ago, he drove to Scotia each evening after work to feed him his evening meal.  Remarkably, he also cared for his beloved wife, Dot, in the home during her final eleven years while struggling with Dementia. For many years during the evenings and weekends, he completely cared for two fully dependent family members and never, ever complained.  He remarked after his wife’s funeral in 2004, that he hoped no one else would tell him that his life would be easier because he enjoyed taking care of her.

A graveside service will be held on Monday, Feb. 8 at Hillside Memorial Park (older section) at 2 pm officiated by Revs. Elizabeth Forester and Sue Hudson.  The service will be live streamed on the funeral home’s Facebook page. Due to Covid-19, please wear a face mask and practice social distancing while attending the service. If you wish to remain in your vehicle during the service, audio sound will be provided.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife Dorothy Carroll McCormick.

He is survived by sons, Duncan John (Mackey) McCormick, lll and Kenneth McCormick (Kathy) of Laurinburg, NC; daughter, Susan McCormick Nance (David) of Cary, NC; grandchildren, Angela Monte (Michael), Caitlin Dakermandji (Joe), Michelle Azzarello, Amy Covington (Mitch), & Kelli Taylor (Michael).

Scotia Village of Laurinburg is very dear to the McCormick family.  Memorials are requested for:  Scotia Village Foundation, 2200 Elm Ave., Laurinburg, NC  28352.

Bumgarner Family Funeral Service and Crematorium is assisting the family.

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