Merton "Mac" McLain, age 96, of Valdosta, GA., passed away on Wednesday, August 16, 2023, at Suwanee Valley Nursing Center.

Mac was born June 11, 1927, to the late Harold McLain and Ashley L. Alberta McLain in Oriskany Falls, New York. He lived life to its fullest and was often heard saying "If you follow all the rules, you'll miss all the fun." Mac was married to Amanda "Mandy" McLain and together they shared 64 years as husband and wife before her passing in March of 2020.

Fascinated by planes his entire life, Mac spent the first years of his career serving his nation as a crew chief in the United States Air Force. He then went on to work with Northrup Grumman Aerospace and Defense Corporation where he was a member of the team which designed and built the first ever B-2 Spirit Stealth Bomber released in 1988, before eventually retiring in his beloved wife's hometown of Jennings, FL.

Mac was a brother, an uncle, a faithful husband, a father, a grandfather, and a man of God. He loved to work on projects and could often be found with a toolbox in one hand and a giant jug of milk or coffee in the other. He shared his love of planes with his nieces, their children, his grandchildren, and great grandchildren. He always had a smile on his face and was always seeking out the next big adventure.

Mac was a member of Burnham Christian Church in Jennings, FL. Mac was preceded in death by his siblings, Clifton, Wilma, and Evelyn McLain, and his wife, Mandy McLain.

Survivors include his sister, Helen VanCalbergh of Port Richey, FL.; one son, Scott Douglas McLain (Carlyn) of Wisconsin; his grandsons, Brian McLain (Bethany) their children, Abigail, Amelia and Brian Jr; Nathan McLain (Madelyne); Adam McLain (Holly) their children, Walker and Adeline; and Travis McLain (Ashley) and their children Jackson and Meredith.

Mac was blessed with a host of nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews, grandchildren and great grandchildren who all loved their "Uncle Mac." In addition to his blood relatives, Mac became a bonus grandad to his Lithuanian family, Dr. Renaldas Smidtas, his wife Lina Jaruseviciute Smidt, and their children Leva Smidt, Greta Smidt, Laura Smidt Ferguson, and Lukas Smidtas. He and Mandy became a treasured part of their family.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, August 19, 2023, 11:00 am, at Burnham Christian Church and the family will receive family and friends at the church prior to the service at 10 am. Interment will follow in the church cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Burnham Christian Church (Building Fund), 4520 NW CR 146, Jennings, FL 32053.

All of the arrangements are under the direction of Harry T. Reid Funeral Home, Jasper, FL.