Obituary
It’s curtains down for the man who never failed to serve up a slice of laughter alongside a hearty meal. George William “Mac” MacChlerie, Jr., known to many as the ‘Commander of Chuckles’, has taken his final bow on the stage of life at the age of 82, on August 24, 2024, in Daytona Beach, FL. Born in Cambridge, Massachusetts, on August 17, 1942, Mac’s early draft into the world set the scene for a lifetime of service and smiles.
After a tour of duty spanning two decades in the U.S. Army, where he served in the Korean War and The Vietnam War and rose to the rank of Chief Warrant Officer 3, Mac traded his uniform for an apron, commanding kitchens as an executive chef. He whipped up more than just meals; he stirred in humor and sprinkled every interaction with kindness (and just the right amount of sarcasm).
Mac’s life recipe included his loving wife of 30 years, Madeline, who was his main squeeze and sous-chef in life’s kitchen. His children, Suni, Robyn (and her sous-chef Steve Gonzalez), James, and Ashley MacChlerie, along with step-children Sarah Willams (and her partner-in-crime George Williams) and Sean Williams, are left to carry on his legacy of zest and zingers. His grandchildren Blaise Wayne, Claire Wayne, Symphony Williams, Kilee Williams, Madelyn Williams, Lydia Williams, Ezra Torruellas, Asia Trinh, Jazmine Kim, Savannah Keller, Sage Keller, and Kalea Keller, plus his great-grandchildren, will miss his gourmet grandpa hugs and his legendary ‘Santa Mac’ performances, which were more heartwarming than his famous Christmas pudding.
Mac’s parents, Ellen (Lyons) MacChlerie and George MacChlerie Sr., have already taken their seats in the great audience in the sky, alongside his fur-children, Pussums and Other Pussums. His current feline companions, Baby Cat and Dillon, will miss curling up with their favorite human bookend.
A true ‘purr-veyor’ of joy, Mac’s love for his four-legged friends was no ‘cat’ secret. In his honor, and to avoid any ‘cat’-astrophic sadness, donations can be made to The Halifax Humane Society or St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital. These were causes that made his big heart purr.
As we say “bon appétit” to a life well-lived and loved, let’s toast to Mac, whose spirit will continue to season our lives with joy. Here’s to the man who could turn every day into a ‘purr’-fect blend of mischief and meaning. Cheers, Mac!
Visitation will be Friday, September 13th, from 2-4pm at Baldwin Brothers in Port Orange. Military Honors will be held at 3:00pm
BUT I DID IT WAS WAS ME, I was 6 and you still said no not her.