Thomas Leonard Mclemore

Thomas Leonard “Mac” McLemore returned to his heavenly home on January 16, 2021, from the Dedeaux Community in Kiln, MS at the age of 72. Mac is survived by his four children: David McLemore, Lisa Matthews, Deborah McLemore (Gregory Pittman), and Thomas (Sybil) McLemore. His seventeen grandchildren: David McLemore, Derek McLemore, Jacob Ruzicka, Kristin Pacheco, Timothy Pacheco, Jennifer Pacheco, Sara Pacheco, Devante McLemore, Denzel McLemore, Devin McLemore, Dashawn  McLemore, Faith Pittman, Michael Pittman, Ethan McLemore, Emily McLemore, Eli McLemore, and Zander McLemore. His eight great grandchildren: Micah, Mason, and Maddox McLemore, Emmitt and Emily McLemore, Brendan Ruzicka, Preston McLemore, and Aamber Houston. His siblings: Martha McLemore, John McLemore, Ina McLemore, Sandria McLemore, and Donald McLemore. His brother-in-laws: Xavier “Zab” Meyers, Sr.  and Tommy Letellier along with several nieces and nephews. He was preceded by his parents Marion Lee and Evelyn (Honeycutt) McLemore, and his precious granddaughter Dallas McLemore.

Mac was born in Durham, North Carolina to Marion Lee and Evelyn (Honeycutt) McLemore. He grew up with his siblings. At a young age he dropped out of school and became employed in order to care for his mother and siblings. On April 29, 1966, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy. He became part of the Mobile Riverine Force during Vietnam War. He was assigned as a 20mm gunner. The military described him as impressive, knowledgeable, and temperamental. In December of 1967, he was injured in the line of duty. As a result of his patriotic service to his country over 2.5 years, Mac earned the Vietnam Service Medal with Bronze Star, the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, and a Bronze Star Medal for Heroic Achievement.

Mac was known to be courageous, honest, and caring. He was a generous individual. He had a servants heart. Throughout his life he has helped numerous people in the community, family members, and complete strangers. He contributed to many charities and organizations along with the local church building fund. He never let others know of his generosity. To his community he was a great chef who enjoyed hosting get togethers. He was a fantastic grill master. He would grill some of the best steaks, drunken chicken, burgers, and deer sausage. His crawfish boils were phenomenal. You could hear the music and laughter a mile away. Mac also enjoyed helping his friends Gaston and Chris Ory, cook at the annual church bazaar. They always made a mean jambalaya and some of the best ribs (Mac was known for his ribs).

Mac’s greatest title of all was grandpa/Pop’s. He was an incredible grandpa. If you ever caught him boasting it was about his precious grandchildren. He too was proud of his great grandchildren and had hopes of meeting them one day. His face lite up anytime he spoke of them. May all of you know even though Grandpa didn’t visit nor call, he absolutely loved each and everyone of you. He wanted everyone to remember him as they knew him. There will be a private service for his immediate family per his request. The family asks that in lieu of flowers, please send a donation in his honor to help “Save a Vet” to the National Veterans Foundation. Trinity Funeral Services is honored to serve the McLemore family in their time of need, asking everyone to keep them in your thoughts and prayers over the coming days.