George Douglas "Doug" Aitken, Jr.

George Douglas (Doug) Aitken, Jr. died peacefully at Randolph Hospital Sunday, September 2, 2018 with his wife and children at his bedside.

Doug was born May 4, 1941 in Charlotte, NC to George Douglas Aitken, Sr. and Juanita Schnedl Aitken.  Doug attended Myers Park High School and graduated from UNC Chapel Hill in 1963.  A business major he first worked for Duke Power and later at the Bank of Commerce in Charlotte as Vice-President.

In 1974 Doug and his young family moved to Asheboro to serve as the first President of the N.C. Zoological Society.  At that time the zoo had 2 tortoises, a pair of weasels and a lot of land.  He succeeded in raising funds to begin the African section and building the aviary.  He next served as branch manager at the former CCB bank in Asheboro for a short time before beginning a long career with the Presbyterian Foundation.

After retiring from the Presbyterian Foundation, he accepted a job with Randolph Hospital as President of the Community Health Foundation.  Doug and the committee were instrumental in raising funds for the Cancer Center at the hospital.

Doug loved his Asheboro community and took an active part in many organizations including Rotary, where he was a Paul Harris Fellow, Boy Scouts, Family Crisis Center, YMCA, and Habitat for Humanity.

At First Presbyterian Church in Asheboro he served as a deacon and Elder as well as on several of the church committees.  He was a part-time teacher and president of the Westminster Sunday School Class for many years.  He was planning to serve on the Stewardship Committee even from his hospital bed.

Doug was an avid fan of the Carolina Tarheels.  He most often could be found on a golf course.  He loved the game and enjoyed playing until he was first diagnosed with cancer mid-October of last year.

Doug is survived by his wife of fifty-five years, Marianne.  He leaves his son Andrew Todd (wife Colleen) and daughter Jennifer Holloway (husband Jon), and twin grandchildren Andrew Thomas and Emma Grace Aitken.

He is also survived by brother Alan Aitken (wife Joann) and two great nephews Sean and Luke.  He leaves brother-in-law Richard Gotheridge and niece Cynthia and nephew Robert (wife Meg) and a great nephew Grey and niece Caroline.

There will be a visitation at Pugh Funeral Home from 6-8 pm Thursday evening and a funeral at First Presbyterian Church Friday morning at 11: 00 am. The Rev. Brian Gawf will officiate.

Memorials may be made to the Endowment Fund at First Presbyterian Church, 420 West Walker Avenue, Asheboro, NC  27203.