John Mack Laughridge, Jr.

John Mack Laughridge, age 66, went home to be with the Lord surrounded by his loving family on Saturday, July 8, 2017 at Burke Hospice & Palliative Care’s Hospice House after a brief battle with cancer.  Born in McDowell County on January 9, 1951, he was the son of the late John Mack Laughridge, Sr. and Barbara Gibbs Laughridge Bradley.  He will always be remembered as a loving husband, father, son, brother and grandfather.

Mack proudly served in the United States Coast Guard as a Gunner’s Mate Third Class until his honorable discharge October 15, 1976.  He came home to serve his beloved community for 24 & ½ years with the Marion Fire Department where he retired as Assistant Fire Chief.

Mack is survived by his wife Kay Buff Laughridge; his mother, Barbara Gibbs Bradley; a son, John Mack Laughridge, III and wife Alicia; a daughter, Kelly Baker; a sister, Nancy Connelly (John); a nephew, John Morris Connelly (Jessica); a sister-in-law, Helen Harris; two grandchildren, Hayden & Levi Laughridge and special friends, Kevin McGarr and Joe Neal.

A graveside service to celebrate his life will be held at 2:00 p.m., Wednesday, July 12, 2017 at Western Carolina State Veterans Cemetery with Rev. Kerney Wilson officiating.

The family will receive friends from 12:00 p.m. until 1:00 p.m. on Wednesday in the chapel of Beam Funeral Service. Military honors will be provided by the United States Coast Guard.

The family would like to extend their gratitude for the countless prayers and well wishes.  A special thank you to Kevin & Joe for your cherished friendships and for always being there for Mack, Debbie Laughridge for your love and support, Rev. Kerney & Kayla Wilson, Tonia Hampton, Candice Trantham, Dr. Pam Bartles and Linda for your kindness, and Dr. Greg Jones.

In lieu of flowers, the family would like to suggest donations be made in memory of Mack to Burke Hospice & Palliative Care, 1721 Enon Road, Valdese, North Carolina 28690.