Obituary of Rear Admiral Mack C Gaston US Navy (Retired)

RDML Mack Gaston passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his family on Sunday, December 2, 2018. He was born July 17, 1940 to John Gaston and Felicia (Gilliard) Gaston. He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Frederick Gaston. He is survived by his wife, Nancy (Lindblad) Gaston, his brother, Henry (Connie) Gaston, his daughter, Sonja (Larry) Henderson, step-son, Jeff (Karen) Williamson, step-son, Craig (Tara) Williamson, and nine grandchildren, Lawrence, Nicole, Jon, Shane, Aidan, Nate, Luke, Emma and Tyler, and one great-grandchild, Lily.

He was a graduate of Tuskegee University, received an MBA from Marymount University and received a commission as an Ensign in the U.S Navy in December 1965. Admiral Gaston had an impressive naval career spanning 31 years, including command of two destroyers and cruiser USS Josephus Daniels, and ashore as Commander Field Command, Defense Nuclear Agency and the first black Commander of Naval Training Center Great Lakes. He retired in 1995. Following retirement from the U.S. Navy, Mack pursued a successful corporate career at Waste Management, Inc. and Electronic Data Systems in senior executive positions.

His infectious smile, unbridled enthusiasm, boundless energy and firm, some would say “bone crushing” handshake were hallmarks of a man who throughout his life was focused on people, human rights, personal dignity, increased opportunity for all including women serving their country with honor. He served as a mentor, role model and positively influenced the lives and careers of countless individuals.

His love for his family and country were exceptional. He was a loving husband, father, step-father and grandfather and a distinguished and respected naval officer.

ILLINOIS

Visitation will be held at 1:00 p.m. , December 12, 2018, at the Village Church of Gurnee prior to
the Memorial Service.

Memorial Service will begin at 2:00 p.m.

Village Church of Gurnee
1319 N. Hunt Club Road
Gurnee, IL 60031
847-244-6606

GEORGIA

Visitation will be held from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on December 14, 2018

(Reflections from 7:00 - 7:30 p.m.)

Willis Funeral Home
2011 Martin Luther King, Jr. Drive
Dalton, GA 30721
706-278-3808

*Private Interment (immediate family only) will take place on Saturday, December 15, 2018

In lieu of sending flowers, please make a donation to the Alzheimer's Organization:  https://www.alz.org/donate