Lester McCorkle McClung, Jr. "Mac" of Temple Terrace, FL, passed away peacefully at home, with his wife holding his hand, on March 19, 2013. Mac was born in Clearwater, Florida, on October 15, 1928. He was a second generation son of a pioneer family who traveled on a boat to homestead land in Dunedin. He grew up in Pinellas County during a different time. He told many stories of his experiences romping in the woods and bays, camping with his grandfather, hunting, fishing, crabbing, learning to fly an airplane, and of childhood friends. He graduated from Gordon Military High School in 1946. He attended college and played football at Virginia Military Institute before coming home to help his father, who was ill, with their orange grove. He later graduated from the University of Florida in 1951 with the very first Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Engineering and was a member of the Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity. Mac served as an Army officer, leading the 9th Infantry Heavy Mortar Company, in the Korean War. He received the Korean Service Medal with two Bronze Service Stars, the United Nations Service Medal, and a Combat Infantry Badge. He was honored to have served our country. Mac grew up working in his family's orange grove and began a career as a fertilizer salesman with Gulf Fertilizer in 1953. His love of people and farming contributed to his continuing to work with Diamond R Fertilizer until his passing. In 1957, Mac and his family moved to Temple Terrace. He was active in the community as a member of the Temple Terrace Community Church for 56 years, serving in various capacities. Mac was also instrumental in starting Temple Terrace Little League and was a Boy Scout leader for many years. He was a true Southern gentleman who never knew a stranger, took care of people, and loved to share his stories. He loved the real Florida, knowing every back road, and good place to eat. He was a great fisherman who always had his tackle box and fishing pole in the trunk of his car.
Mac was married to Margaret Richter on August 19, 1951, they were married 61 years. He was a dedicated husband, loving father and grandfather, and loyal friend who will be dearly missed by all who knew him. He is survived by his wife, Margaret, children, John (Chandra), Gordon (Julie), Margie Ward (Ken), Marjorie Terp (Steve), grandchildren, John, Scott, Margie, Bubby, Danny, Grace, Emma, sisters, Jessie Waterbury, Marjorie Holliday, nephew, Rob Waterbury, and niece, Stacey Letts. He was preceded in death by his parents Lester and Marjorie McClung.
A celebration of life will be held at 2:00 pm on Saturday, March 30th, at Temple Terrace Community Church. As per Mac's request, if attending the service, please no suits and ties! Khakis will suffice. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Temple Terrace Community Church Memorial Fund, 210 Inverness Avenue, Temple Terrace, FL, 33617. The family wishes to thank the Lifepath Hospice Coral Team and his caregivers, Cindy, Jennifer, Lon, Nicole, and Penny for their wonderful care and dedication.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
5 Entries
April 3, 2013
David Lodato
Marjorie,
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time.
March 29, 2013
John and Gerry Murphy
Thinking of all Mac's friends and kin at this tough time. While his passing is a sad time, the fact remains his influence will continue as he had a positive impact on a lot of folks over his lifetime.
He raised good kids who in turn raised good kids themselves. And that will last a while too.
The Murphy family is thinking of you all with love.
March 27, 2013
Don Korb
Dear McClung Family,
Bless you all as you mourn the loss of your loved one. In my many visits to your home to tune your piano, it was more of a refreshing time for me as the presence of the Lord was always there! I came to restore harmony to your piano. Lester, with his Faith in God and encouraging words of Faith and Hope, would charge me to go and do likewise. Surely the man, Lester McClung finished his assignment here, and is enjoying his new heavenly home!
Our sincere love, Don Korb & family
March 26, 2013
We will all miss Sonny. I appreciate his visiting with mother all those years, especially her last ones. My best wishes to you and Marjorie and Jessie. Ceil
March 26, 2013
Staff of Gonzalez Funeral Home
Our heartfelt sympathies are extended to the family and friends. May you find peace and comfort during this difficult time.
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