Peter McKellar Cromartie Jr. passed away Tuesday, May 23, 2023, at Roper Hospice Cottage in Mount Pleasant South Carolina. He battled a long and arduous undiagnosed health condition for over a year. We would later sadly learn that his previous cancer treatment ultimately took his life. True to his gentle nature and fighting spirit, never once did he complain, nor did he ever give up hope.
He was born Nov. 10, 1950, to Harriett and Peter Cromartie. He was the youngest of three children and, according to his siblings, the favorite. He was a longtime resident of Fayetteville and later retired to Charleston, South Carolina, with his wife, Dot.
He married the love of his life, Dot, on June 8, 1974. They were just shy of their 49th wedding anniversary. They raised two sons together, Matt and Adam.
Mack enjoyed all things woodworking and made a career of it. He, his brother and father owned and operated West Industries and McKellar Furniture for more than 30 years. Mack was vice president of sales, which was right up his alley. His infectious personality made him a natural with sales. He later owned his own cabinetry business from which he retired in 2013.
Mack’s greatest trait was his unfailing kindness. His life was defined by the Golden Rule, and he was a beautiful example of it. He easily struck up conversations with strangers; he had a genuine gift of putting people at ease. He was a true and rare conversationalist. He was like a second father to the neighborhood children and donned the name “Uncle Mack” by many. He was so witty and creative and wrote the most interesting riddles for his sons to solve in order to find their Christmas presents. Mack also wrote poetry for his friends' birthdays and even composed a rap song about Alice in Wonderland for Matt’s English school project. He sent beautiful and thoughtful e-cards to his granddaughter every holiday and birthday. As a true tender-hearted man, he had a genuine love for animals. He adored his dachshund, Sophie, and his Muscovy duck, Walter.
Mack was a natural athlete and excelled at golf. He was a member of the “Over the Hill Gang” and the Seniors Golf Group. He was a great tennis and pickleball player. He and Dot loved to dance together and were quite good at the shag. They never passed on the opportunity to dance during a special occasion.
Mack had a wonderful and close relationship with six friends from his college days at Montreat College who he talked to weekly if not daily. They shared news and jokes and enjoyed playing practical jokes on one another. They supported each other through life’s trials and joys for more than 50 years.
Mack loved his wife, his children, his granddaughter, his siblings, his nieces and nephews, and friends so deeply. He was deeply loved in return and will be greatly missed.
A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday, June 1, 2023, at First Presbyterian Church in Fayetteville. The burial will follow at Cross Creek Cemetery No. 3.
The family will receive friends from 5 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, May 31, 2023, at Sullivan’s Highland and also one hour prior to the service from 10 to 11 a.m. Thursday in the church parlor.
Mack is survived by his wife of 48 years, Dorothy Cromartie; son, Matt Cromartie and wife, Blair, of Murrells Inlet, South Carolina; one granddaughter, McKellar Blair Cromartie; brother, Alva Cromartie and wife, Sarah, of Fayetteville; sister, Susan Davis of Port St. Lucie, Florida; one niece, Salley Wilder; and two nephews, Brandon Vannoy and Chip Cromartie.
Mack was preceded in death by his two sons and a nephew.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to either First Presbyterian Church, 102 Ann St., Fayetteville, NC 28301 or Hallie Hill Animal Sanctuary, 5604 New Road, Hollywood, SC 29449.
