We are saddened to announce the passing of our brother, Gregory Paul Mack, known to some as "Big Mack", age 58. Gregory entered eternal rest on "Good Friday," March 29, 2024, after a brief illness at Freeman West Hospital in Joplin, MO. Gregory was surrounded by his loving siblings and friends.
Gregory is the youngest son of Leonard Odell Mack Sr. and Hassie Belle Jackson Mack. Gregory was born July 7, 1965, at Girard Medical Center, Girard Kansas, the youngest of eight children.
Gregory attended Pittsburg Public Schools: Westside Elementary, Roosevelt Jr. High, and Pittsburg High School. During high school, he played as a linebacker for the PHS Purple Dragons.
After high school, Gregory worked for a variety of organizations, the first being the YMCA. On March 26, 1993, he graduated from the Fort Scott Community College Truck Driving Program. Gregory was also employed with Cash Grain and Feed Company and worked for a trash disposal company.
Gregory also worked on the new double lane 69 highway, from Ft. Scott to Pittsburg, by driving dump trucks in the early 1990s.
Unfortunately, Gregory's work career was cut short due to two work-related accidents, one injuring his brain and another injuring his back. He was diagnosed with epilepsy and also debilitating back issues.
Later, Gregory was very proud of being a sentinel for the community he lived in. He patrolled his neighborhood daily, looking out for the safety of those around him. When asked about the role, he said, "Neighbors are important and I want to help protect my neighborhood, and this is how I can." It was endearing, and though this was solely a volunteer endeavor, it gave him a sense of place and belonging we all strive to find in our lives.
Gregory belonged to the Black Powder Gun Club.
He had a deep interest in WWII and was very knowledgeable about it.
Gregory enjoyed repairing bicycles and also riding around town after he could no longer drive due to the epilepsy diagnosis. He also enjoyed fishing as an adult, brought on by his older brother, Leonard Jr. taking him fishing as a little boy.
In 2018, due to health issues, he became a resident of Medicalodges, Pittsburg, where he resided until the illness that resulted in his death.
Gregory was preceded in death by his parents, Leonard and Hassie Mack, and his brothers, Leonard Mack Jr., Robert Mack, and Ronnie Jackson.
Treasuring his memory are:
His sisters, Karen Mack Bitner, and Donna Jackson Campbell Brice
His brothers, Wallace Mack (Cindy) and Jon Mack (Julie)
Nieces, Imber Mack, Meaghanne Mack (Justin), Jackie Bitner, Erika Brice
Nephews, Morris Campbell "Neel", Jonathan Mack (Corey), Justin Mack,
Denton Mack, Joey Bitner (Brandi)
Great-nephews, Issac Mack, Shawn Mack, Benson Mack, Austyn Mack, Morris Campbell, III, Maxwell Campbell
A host of cousins and relatives
The Celebration of Life Service
Friday, April 26, 2024
11:00 a.m.
Pittsburg State University
Timmons Chapel
409 East Ford Avenue
Pittsburg, KS 66762
