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.
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10 Condolence(s)
Meda Hargrove
Tuesday, September 10, 2024
I worked for Mr. McDonough for 43 years as a bookkeeper. As a CEO of the company in the latter years. He was a very wise and thoughtful man. I could not have had a better boss!! I thought the world of him and his wife, Nancy.
Shawn Burr
Friday, August 9, 2024
I had the pleasure of doing lawn maintenance for Mr. McDonough, at his home in the heights, for over 20 years. I always enjoyed conversing with him, though brief, and his wife. They always made me feel welcome, and Ms. Nancy always put snacks and a coke out for me and the crew while we were working. I always cherish those memories.
Joseph Ralph Hooper
Wednesday, August 7, 2024
Russ hired me as Vice President of Commercial Multi Family Housing, a new division for Winrock Ent Inc in 1972….. my first job after serving 4 years as an officer in the Air Force…. Met Russ for the first time when he was walking through the woods behind my house in a Winrock Homes development called Walton Heights in West Little Rock, Ark….. he taught me so much…. Retired now, so sorry to learn of his death…. He was a great man !!
Bob Hopkins
Monday, August 5, 2024
Russ was a consummate gentleman and always wanted to see the focus placed on Nancy. It was my great pleasure to know and serve them both these past 25+ years.
Valentine J Hansena
Sunday, August 4, 2024
Always loved seeing Mr McDonough at Ozark Mountain Smokehouse. Always nice to me. Sorry for your
loss Russ
Mary Lou Cravens
Friday, August 2, 2024
Have known and enjoyed the friendship for many years - and in many capacities. Russ was a very special person that Bill and I thought so much of. Always loved seeing you walking down the street - knew not to offer you a ride!
Love and prayers to your family, Mary Lou
Martha Sowell
Thursday, August 1, 2024
Sam and I attended many of the same civic occasions with you and Russ but we had a lot of fun at less official occasions, too, Two couples who got educated and worked other places before making it back home to Arkansas, which was good to both families. Now you and I have to finish this alone, We can do because of the strong life with these men. With love, Martha
Mike and Lindsay Sowell
Thursday, August 1, 2024
We have many fond memories of Mr McDonough
Our thoughts and prayers are with the family
Heather McCastlain
Thursday, August 1, 2024
He was a role model for all of us! He will be sorely missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Mike and Lindsay Sowell
Thursday, August 1, 2024
We have many fond memories of Mr McDonough
Our thoughts and prayers are with the family