W. J. ‘Mac’ McCluskey, proud American, public servant, avid fisherman, family farmer, accomplished cook, (and lover of Christmas, dancing with his wife, and country ham), 90, of Mt. Juliet passed away peacefully on Sunday, April 6, 2014 at Summit Hospital in Hermitage.
Surviving Mac is his wife of almost 70 years, Lanova (Ligon) McCluskey; son, W. D. “Mack” McCluskey (Janet) of Lebanon, TN; daughter, Margaret (Bob) Pile of Pall Mall, TN.
Survivors also include 5 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren.
Mac passionately served the community of Wilson County throughout his life. Mac was a Wilson County Commissioner for 31 years serving on many committees throughout his tenure. He also served for many years as Chairman of the Wilson County Board of Zoning Appeals. Having recently been awarded the Lebanon Wilson County Chamber of Commerce Public Servant of the Year Award in February of this year, Mac’s impact and legacy has not only been recognized, but will also be felt throughout the community for many generations to come. In addition, Tuesday, August 20 was proclaimed, “Mac McCluskey Day” in August of 2013 to honor Mac for his lifelong service to the community.
Mac was actively involved in many civic and charitable organizations including, 55 years of service with the Mt. Juliet Big Brothers, serving as Past President and Treasurer; charter membership in the Mt. Juliet Breakfast Rotary Club; over 60 years of membership in the Mt. Juliet Masonic Lodge, serving as a Past Master; membership with Cook’s United Methodist Church where he served in many capacities including Lay Leader and Administrative Board Chairman; membership on the Board of Directors of the Mt. Juliet Senior Citizens Center; and working the ticket gate for many years at Mt. Juliet High School football games.
He is also known to be an accomplished cook for large groups as many folks throughout the community can attest. Mac loved nothing more than entertaining masses of people with his famous fried crappie and hushpuppies.
Perhaps his proudest endeavor was his dedicated work with the Wilson County Emergency Communications District “911” Board. Mac was an original member of that board and served as Chairman for 24 years. Under his leadership, the Wilson County 911 Board has made great strides in advancing the cause of emergency response. In a field where the motto is “When Seconds Count,” Mac has been instrumental in providing the citizens of Mt. Juliet, Lebanon and Watertown with access to state-of-the art technology and emergency responsiveness.
He retired from DuPont in Old Hickory after 37 years as a mechanic.
Visitation will be Tuesday, April 8, from 4:00 until 8:00 and Wednesday, April 9, from 10:00 until 11:00.The funeral service will be held Wednesday at 11:00 AM. All events will be at Hermitage Funeral Home and Memorial Gardens, Hermitage, TN.
Pallbearers are David Finchum, Bob Neal, Mike Jennings, Wally Gray, Ken Davis and Greg Semrow. Honorary pallbearers are the Mt. Juliet Breakfast Rotary Club and his beloved caregiver, Kathy Sullivan.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that contributions be made to Cook’s United Methodist Church.
SHARE OBITUARY
v.1.9.5