Allan Ralph McLaughlin of Hilton Head Island, SC passed away on April 10, 2024.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Virginia (Ginny) Lee McLaughlin.

Allan was born in Elkins, West Virginia on July 15, 1948 to George and Margaret McLaughlin. He was the fifth of six children: Larry, David, Robert, Keith, and Judy. The family also had a residence at Deep Creek Lake, Maryland, where they spent most summers. Allan enjoyed water skiing, sailing, snow skiing, and driving cars faster than he should. Allan graduated from Elkins High School in 1966. While working at the Wisp Ski Resort he met Ginny, a student at the nearby Frostburg State College. They were married July 19, 1969. Soon after, Allan enlisted in the Air Force and was stationed at Eglin Air Force Base in Fort Walton Beach, Florida. Ginny taught elementary school.

In the mid 1970s, Allan enrolled in the McDonald’s Corporation's “Hamburger University” and became a franchisee. He built a restaurant in Clarksburg, WV in 1976. Throughout his career he built and operated 3 more restaurants in West Virginia towns: Bridgeport, Buckhannon, and Elkins. Allan was active in Rotary and enjoyed travel, collecting model trains, and riding excursion trains.

Allan and Ginny moved to Hilton Head Island, SC in 1998. They were active members of St Luke's Episcopal church and enjoyed hosting family and friends who visited.

Allan is survived by his sons Chris McLaughlin of Winston-Salem, NC and Shawn McLaughlin of Charlotte, NC, and grandchildren.

He will be remembered for his work ethic and his love for his family and friends.

A private celebration of his life will be held during family events in summer 2024.

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