of Little Rock, AR

January 24, 1934 - July 28, 2024

LITTLE ROCK Russell B. McDonough, Jr., (90). Russ McDonough was born in 1934 to Violet and Russell B. McDonough, Sr. in Hot Springs, Arkansas. He graduated high school from Castle Heights Military Academy in Lebanon, Tennessee and then went on to become a Rambling Wreck from Georgia Tech on a Navy scholarship. He was a Kappa Sig at Tech, the sports editor of the school newspaper and thoroughly enjoyed his years at Georgia Tech, where he and his wife, Nancy, later endowed a Professorship at the Scheller Business School.

Russ met his wife, Nancy, who was from North Little Rock, in Atlanta where he was at Georgia Tech and she was at Agnes Scott College. Following his graduation from Georgia Tech with a degree in Industrial Engineering, he served as a First Officer aboard a minesweeper in the United States Navy. Russ loved his time in the Navy and he particularly loved being aboard ship at sea and so he briefly considered a military career. But he loved being at home more. So, after serving out his commitment, he attended Harvard Business School, where he received a Masters in Business Administration.

In 1969, Russ and Nancy were living with their children in New Jersey where Russ was an executive with American Standard Company in New York City, when Winthrop Rockefeller, the Governor of Arkansas, hired Russ to come home to Arkansas and become CEO of Winrock Enterprises. After Governor Rockefeller's passing in 1973, Russ became the Chairman of the Board and owner of Winrock Enterprises, where he spent the remainder of his career until he retired.

Russ and Nancy were avid travelers and Russ loved nothing more than to be planning every detail of their next trip. At the time of his passing, he was actively planning their next trip to the British Isles, where they had been sixty times previously. Russ was particularly fond of the life and writings of Winston Churchill. At home, Russ was a rabid follower of the Boston Celtics, subscribing to a cable service that let him watch all 82 Celtics games each season. Russ and Nancy took their son and grandson to Boston in 2008 to see the Celtics defeat the Lakers in the Championship Series during their last previous title run. And so it was perfect and he was thrilled, when the Celtics won their record-setting 18th Championship over the Dallas Mavericks, just last month.

Russ is survived by his wife of 68 years, Nancy; his sister, Shirley Westbrook and her children, William Russell and Janna, Russ and Nancy's children, Lee (Dave) and Russ III (Kim), Russ and Kim's children, Emily, Ellie, Madison, Russell IV, Hannah and Will and Russ and Nancy's great grandson by Emily, Owen.

The family is holding a private graveside service, which was his wish, at Mt. Holly Cemetery, where he will be laid to rest. In lieu of flowers or donations, we simply ask that those of you who knew Dad, remember him fondly. And tell someone that you love them, as he was always so quick to do.

Obituary Provided By:
Roller-Owens Funeral Home
5509 John F. Kennedy Blvd.
North Little Rock, AR  72116
www.rollerfuneralhomes.com