Malcolm Way McCracken

Malcolm Way “Mack” McCracken, 89, of Mt. Vernon Springs formerly of Sanford, died Tuesday, December 13, 2016.

Mack was born in Moore County, NC, on November 18, 1927, the third son of the late William Leslie and Amanda Brown McCracken.  The family moved to Sanford where Mackie graduated from Sanford High School in 1946.  He was a three-sport athlete in high school – football, basketball, and baseball – and went on to play football at Elon College “The Fighting Christians.”  Mack graduated from Elon in 1951 with a BA in Physical Education.  He then served in the US Army in Korea from 1951 to 1953, earning the Bronze Star for meritorious service.   

Mack and his late wife, Doris Chrismon McCracken, made their home in Sanford for 42 years. Mack was a master plumber and electrician and owner of McCracken Electric and Plumbing, Inc until his retirement.  He was a devoted member of the Sanford Exchange Club serving for 58 years in a variety of positions including president. He was a high school football referee for the NC High School Athletics Association until age 65.   In 1997, Mack and Doris moved permanently to Mt. Vernon Springs, a tightknit community in Chatham County where they had purchased and restored a historic farmhouse in the 1980’s.  There, Mack was a member of Mt. Vernon Springs Presbyterian Church and community advocate. Mack enjoyed time outdoors sitting in the sun visiting with friends and family. He never met a stranger and was well liked by everyone he met. He cared and loved everyone, especially his two granddaughters, who affectionately called him “Papa Mack”. The love and compassion he had for family, friends and neighbors was without question. He was known in Sanford and Chatham County as one who gave freely of his time and talents. Mack was always willing to teach and encourage others as well as extend a helping hand.

Survivors include daughter Susan McCracken and husband Oscar Knight of Boone, NC; son Malcolm David McCracken and wife Toni McCracken of Sanford; granddaughters Katherine McCracken Knight and Alice McCracken Knight; nephews Ronnie McCracken (Rocky Mount, NC), Pat McCracken (Sanford, NC), and Mike McCracken (Augusta, GA).  He was preceded in death by his wife Doris, his parents, his grandmother and Aunt Bertha, and brothers Willis McCracken and Bert McCracken.

A graveside service will be held Saturday December 17, at 11: 30 a.m. at Mt. Vernon Springs Presbyterian Church Cemetery 1225 Mt. Vernon Springs Road Siler City, NC.  The family invites friends to join us for lunch at Mack’s home following the service.  Memorial gifts in Mack’s name may be made to the Railroad House Historical Association, PO Box 1023, Sanford, NC 27331 or to Mt. Vernon Springs Presbyterian Church, PO Box 752, Siler City, NC 27344.