Mack Edward McLaurin, Jr.

I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith. 
II Timothy 4:7

The Life, Love, and Legacy of Mack Edward McLauirin, Jr.

Mack is the son of the late Mack McLaurin, Sr. and Mary Spears-McLaurin. Mack was the fourth of six children. He departed this life on Sunday, May 1, 2022.

At an early age, Mack accepted Christ Jesus as his Lord and Savor and was baptized  by the late Lester Guidery, Pastor and Founder of the First House of Prayer B.C..   Mack actively served in the Youth Department; he was a member of the Junior Usher Board faithful Sunday School member.  He was the reigning Bible Drill Champion in Bible Training Union (BTU).

Mack is a graduate of Water L. Cohen Sr. High School where he was a member of the Wa-Lo-Co, “Marching Green Hornets” and played on the Tennis Team.  Upon graduation, he received a full athletic scholarship to attend Grambling State University.  Mack was one of Bly’s Boys, Coach Bly was his Mentor and friend.  He  was a member of the Grambling Tigers Tennis Team; he played both Singles and Doubles.  He received his Bachelors Of Science in Elementary Education with a concentration in Mild/Moderate Education.  Immediately upon receiving his Bachelors, he entered Graduate School and started coaching the Women’s Tennis Team.  In 1987, Coach Mack led the Women’s Tennis Team to the  SWAC Championship.  He continued to coach for several years.  He loved playing, coaching, watching, and talking Tennis.  Arthur Ashe was his “Hero”.  

Mack taught in the Ouachita Parish School System for more than twenty-two years.  Crosley Elementary was his first permanent teaching assignment.  He was an integral part of the Crosley Elementary Family; the entire Faculty and student-body loved Mr. Mack.  He later joined the Instructional Staff at Swanson Center for Youth at Monroe.  He not only taught at Swanson but he also served as the Transition Coordinator.  His commitment to serving, teaching, encouraging, and directing his students were exceptional.   After more than thirty-two years Mack retired from teaching.  Teaching was one of Mack’s joys; he would use the most mundane task as a teachable moment.  He was a Master Instructor! 

Mack was an entrepreneur with a unique talent for photography and videoing.  He was a self-
taught Master Photographer.  He knew how to capture the essence of his subjects, whether it was in photographing family, weddings, reunions, senior pictures, creating buttons, pins, magnets and much more.   Mack loved technology.  Programming and updating fire-sticks and computers for all who needed it.  He kept abreast of all the most current releases.  He often visited Best Buy just to browse the latest equipment, be it Smart TV, Mobile Phone, Remotes, Computers, etc.  He was the “Man”.  If you were looking to purchase any type of electronic equipment, “Call Mack”.  Not only could he advise you on “What to buy”, he could tell you “When to buy”.  He was our Go-to Guy!

Mack was a true servant of our Lord Jesus Christ.  He spent his life in service to God, family, church, education, friends, and community.  Mack's love for his family and friends was undeniable; he had a special relationship with each of them.  Mack celebrated and traveled to many events celebrating the accomplishments of his nieces and nephews.  Mack loved traveling; you only had to tell him when and he would start planning.  We that traveled with him knew he was quick to tell you how to drive.  We all can attest to his quick wit.  Often he could be direct; with his expressions, instructions, wisdom, and opinions, which at times were hard to swallow.  He spoke truth and wisdom.  

In addition to traveling, Mack loved cooking, sports, entertaining others and watching various cooking programs, especially the barbeque contents.  Mack was an advent tennis player and volunteered at New Orleans City Park Tennis Club, Stern Tennis Center and various recreational programs in Monroe.  Mack admired the style and play of  All-star Tennis Pro Arthur Ashe and developed his own powerful forehand and serve.  

Above all things, he loved God, who is the center of his life.  Mack was an active member of the Mount Olivet Missionary Baptist Church in Monroe, Louisiana for more than forty years. He served as Youth Director and Sunday School Teacher for many years.  He was a member of the Men’s, Singles, and Media Ministries.  Mack served faithfully at Mt. Olivet.  Although various health challenges did not allow him to serve as he had in previous years, he remained committed and connected to his church. 

Mack was a man of integrity and order, oftentimes putting and considering the needs of others before his own. Our lives are stronger and better because of the great words of encouragement and wisdom he imparted in the lives of so many. His life and legacy are unsurpassed; he will be missed by all who knew and loved him.  A Life well Lived on Purpose!

As Mack encountered increased physical challenges he continued to keep the faith and radiated a spirit of resilience.  Mack would always bounce back from hospital stays;  but this time he and our God had other plans.     

Although he was many miles away from his immediate family Mack developed a genuine network of close friends that became family, such as  Lloyd Gray, Sandra Ward, Gloria Bishop, Clarence Bradford, Armenda “Rita” Simms-Shaw, Bernice Brown,  Ernest Saucer, Regina Mills, and his Mt. Olivet Church Family.  We thank you for loving and caring for our brother;  we are forever grateful.

Mack leaves to cherish his wonderful memories, sisters Bernadette McLaurin, Connie McLaurin-Daniels (Roland), brothers Eddie L Spears (late Carolyn), Wardell McLaurin, and Roland Daniels, Sr.  a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

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