LeCoast Mack Obituary (1933 - 2019)

LeCoast Mack, ("Mack", "Marvin Gaye", "Deacon Mack" or just "Deac"), 87, died Tuesday, June 4, 2019, in his home following a long-term illness. Born in Cheraw, SC and raised in Washington, DC, he was the son of the late Ulysses and Hattie Mack (Chambers). Mack assumed a leadership role in his early years in support of his mother and younger siblings as they navigated urban life in the 30's and 40's. An avid reader and curious student, LeCoast credits his late Uncle, LeRoy Mack, with mentorship and academic encouragement. He was an active student and ROTC member before graduating with honors from Dunbar High School in 1951. Upon graduation, he entered then Hampton Institute, and then Virginia State College. After being drafted by the US Army (1955 to 1957), LeCoast graduated from Virginia State College in 1959. It was at Virginia State where he met Vernice Winfield whom he married in 1955. After a brief stint with the Postal Service, Mack was recruited by the US Army to Fort Detrick in 1960, and has lived a full life in Frederick, MD since then. As a microbiologist, his professional career included time with the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Known for doing things his way, Mack took advantage of early retirement from government service to focus on investing in and rehabilitating houses. This passion began in 1964 with the purchase of his first apartment building where he quickly learned the joys and pains of being a landlord. Over the years, he rehabilitated three additional properties and advised others who were interested in following in his footsteps. Being a landlord was important to Mack, but it paled in comparison to his spiritual study and work. Mack was devoted to First Missionary Baptist Church (FMBC) and served in numerous capacities for decades; as a Trustee, a dedicated Deacon and teacher of adult Sunday school and Bible Study classes. In his spiritual walk he mentored many, to name a few: Lester Robinson, Eric Dorsey, Aaron Tribit, Daryl Jordan and Dwight Palmer. Mack had a vast network and belonged to several service organizations and groups. He joined the Masons--the Fredericktonian Blue Lodge in 1973. In 1982, he was a founding member of the Kappa Alpha Psi Frederick Alumni Chapter and received his 50 Years of Service award in 2004. His interests have always centered on serving God and the greater community via leadership and service. A devoted husband, father, brother and uncle, Mack leaves his wife of 63 years, Vernice (Winfield) Mack; two daughters, Karen Mack and Kimberly (Mack) Coates; a sister, Lucille (Mack) Funderburk; a son-in-law Leslie Coates III, two grandsons, Brenden and Bryson Coates; and a host of cherished nieces, nephews and cousins. His brother, Nathaniel Mack preceded him in death. The Mack family would like to thank family, extended family (church and organizations), an abundance of friends and medical providers for every expression of kindness extended to him during his illness. Your love and support is both heartfelt and appreciated.