Douglas D. Schoonmaker, Jr.

Douglas "Doug" D. Schoonmaker, Jr, 78, of Concord died peacefully in his home on January 17, 2025. 

 A memorial service will be held at 11:00 am on Saturday, January 25, 2025 at All Saints Episcopal Church, officiated by Rev. Mary Reese. Military honors will be rendered at 10:30 am, prior to the service on the church patio. A reception will be held following the service at Southern Strain Brewery, 165 Brumley Ave NE Suite 3001, Concord, NC 28025.

 He was born on July 9, 1946 in New York City, New York, to the late Douglas D. Schoonmaker, Sr. and Anne L. Slaughter. Doug was also preceded in death by his sister, Randy S. Murphy of Concord. He spoke fondly about his memories of hunting and fishing with his friends and dog, Rex, while growing up in LaGrange, Georgia with his three sisters and many cousins. Upon his high school graduation, Doug served in the U.S. Army Intelligence for 3 years, during which time he rose to rank of Staff Sergeant. After completing his military service, Douglas attended Pheiffer University where he earned a degree in Business Administration.

 Following his graduation, Doug worked as a Loan Officer at C.K. Federal Savings and Loan until beginning his real estate career in 1979. He opened Schoonmaker Homes and Properties in 1982, and was joined in business by his wife, Ellen, in 1989. Together they helped the people of Cabarrus County until their retirement in the early 2000's. Doug was actively involved in the community he loved for more than 30 years, as an active member of the Cabarrus County Rotary Club, Money Sunk, and Cabarrus County Realtors Association. Doug was a lover of animals and of all things outdoors. After retirement, he could be found accompanied by his dog, Molly, in one of his two favorite places: his garden, or his farm.The only thing Doug loved more than being outdoors was his family. 

 He is survived and will be greatly missed by his devoted wife of 36 years, Ellen Thames Schoonmaker; his loving daughters Kimberly S. Newton of Concord, Addie S. Pritchard (Mark) of Concord, and Lanier S. Spell of Greensboro; his grandchildren Cory (Julie), Ashley, Bo, Bryce, and Blaire; his first great-granddaughter, Logan; his sisters Cathy S. Wright and Bonnie S. Compton of Georgia; sister-in-law, Carlette Barnhill (Wayne); and his seven nieces and nephews. 

The family would like to give a special thanks to Atrium Health Hospice Cabarrus for their love and care of Doug.

 In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Humane Society of Concord and Greater Cabarrus County, 2010 Wilshire Ct SW, Concord, NC 28025 or Atrium Health Hospice Cabarrus, 5003 Hospice Lane, Kannapolis, NC 28081.