John Phillips McDevitt, 78, beloved father, grandfather, pet parent, and friend, passed away on Thursday, February 29, 2024, with his family at his side after a brief period of declining health. Love and laughter surrounded him until the end, a tribute to how he lived his life.
John was born May 2,1945 in Wilmington, NC to the late Wendell Wright and Jane Pope McDevitt. He spent most of his youth in Asheville and Weaverville, NC. He briefly lived in Fort Pierce, FL before residing in various other locations in NC during adulthood, most fondly, Spruce Pine and Rutherford College for several years, each. John worked as a human resources director for more than 40 years, with most of his career spent in the furniture industry. With John’s passing, the Dallas Cowboys lost their most loyal, and at times, most frustrated fan. John rooted for his beloved football team since they joined the National Football League in 1960. He also loved golf and was an avid golfer for many years. In fact, he made dear friends and shared countless laughs on golf courses. In addition to his fondness of sports, John adopted cooking as a hobby, and became an amazing chef and host. One of his proudest titles was Grandaddy. John hosted summer and holiday sessions of “Camp Grandaddy” for his grandson, Joe, which included golf cart rides, cooking lessons, watching Disney TV shows, and playing outside. He also adored and doted on his pets (and grand pets) over the years.
In addition to his parents, John is preceded in death by his brother, William Pope McDevitt; nephew, William Pope McDevitt, Jr.; his lifelong friend, and the mother of his children, Barbara Slay McDevitt; and his beloved dogs, Lenny, Lucie, Levi, and Kirby.
He is survived by his daughters, Wendi McDevitt Muhonen and her husband John, and Lauren McDevitt Danenberg and her husband Danny; grandson, Joseph Phillip Muhonen; bonus granddaughters Raven and Coby Danenberg; sister, Susan Barbee; and sister-in-law, Shirley McDevitt. Also surviving are several nieces and nephews, and beloved pets, Katy and Scout.
The family will receive friends Friday, March 8, 2024, from 2:00pm to 3:00pm at Heritage Funeral Service in Valdese, NC.
The family asks that you consider contributing to Carolinas Golf Association for memorial donations in John’s name.
http://www.carolinasgolf.org/
Carolinas Golf Foundation, 140 Ridge Rd., Southern Pines, NC 28387
Heritage Funeral Service and Crematory in Valdese, NC is assisting the family.
I loved Johnny! So sorry!
Thank you, Eliza.
I grew up in Weaverville, NC and have know John and his family most of my life. And his is siblings, Susan and Bill, were close and fondly remembered friends. John was younger and I really didn’t get to know him well until he became a human resource professional. I worked for WCI, an employer association, and in this regard knew him as a accomplished professional, who was employee focussed and had a comprehensive understanding of HR policy and practice, and of the scope of employee laws and regulations that related to his work. On a personal level, I appreciated John’s warm personality and delightful sense of humor, and bonded with him over our common Weaverville connections. I was deeply saddened by the news of John’s death, news which brought to mind many fond memories of him and his family. I offer my deepest sympathy to the family and pray that your warm and loving memories of him will give you comfort.
Thank you, Mr. Hart. We appreciate the kind words and you taking the time to comment.
I knew John from his days in Weaverville where we both were raised. He was at North Buncombe High School but transferred to Lee Edwards in Asheville after an altercation at NBHS that’s still one of my favorite stories about John. A few years later I was hired at the NC Dept of Labor after his dad Wendell who lived next door to us on Church St in Weaverville referred me for an entry level position there. Later when I was the NC ODHA Director I talked with John occasionally regarding OSHA issues. I saw him as he regularly visited his mom and dad in Weaverville. John was adventuresome and fun to be around
Albert,
My grandparents thought so much of your family and the memories I have of all of you are so vivid and comforting. I loved swinging on your parents’ porch swing and trying to figure out ways to circumvent the hedge between their yard and ours.
I don’t believe I knew the story about the Department of Labor and Maco referring you for a position. He tried so hard to steer me in that direction but I was young and knew everything and declined. (Hindsight is always 20/20).
Thank you for posting your memories of Dad. Your description, “…adverturesome and fun to be around…” is an accurate one. Like so many others, Wendi and I will miss him always.
I worked with John many years at Ethan Allen. He was a lot of fun to be around.
Margie – Dad thought so very much of you and valued your opinion and working relationship. I remember fondly visiting him at the Pine Valley offices and seeing you there. I believe your daughter even took me to lunch one day with her friends and made me feel so special dining with the older girls. I hope you are doing well. We appreciate you taking the time to comment.
Margie – Dad thought so very much of you and valued your opinion and working relationship. I remember fondly visiting him at the Pine Valley offices and seeing you there. I believe your daughter even took me to lunch one day with her friends and made me feel so special dining with the older girls. I hope you are doing well. Wendi and I appreciate you taking the time to comment.