Bobby Wayne Mack

Bobby Wayne Mack (31 July 1942 – 18 Sep 2019)

Bobby was born on July 31, 1942 in the small town of Swansea, South Carolina, to Perry and Vernell Mack. At the age of 17, Bobby joined the United States Air Force and served in Vietnam. His curious nature and love of adventure took him around the world from June of 1960 through November 1982, when he retired as a Master Sergeant. One of his greatest accomplishments during his service was the establishment of the enlisted Tactical Air Control Party (TACP) School at Hurlburt Field, Florida. Carrying his love of fishing and sand firmly planted between his toes, he made his home in Fort Walton Beach. He received his Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of West Florida and began a second career as a Senior Technical Writer and Documentation Manager with Vitro Services, later BAE Systems, where he served from 1988 until his retirement in 2008. Writing and teaching were among his many passions and he served as an adjunct professor at Northwest Florida State College from January 2003 through April 2019. Bobby was beloved by colleagues and students alike. When a student failed his class, he took it very personally, as he saw it as a duty to foster the love of writing and the English language in others. 

Bobby will be fondly remembered by family and friends as a loving husband, father, brother, distinguished professor of English, published author, proud patriot, and, most of all, a Veteran of the United States Air Force. He possessed a quick wit, generous spirit, and the kindest of hearts. His absence has left this world less bright.

Bobby is preceded in death by his parents and his beloved brother, Phil. He leaves behind his wife and soulmate, Cheryl, his daughters; Stephanie Mack and Shannon Griffin (Andrew), his grandchildren; Tiffany, Austin, and Sydney, his stepchildren; Christi Rountree, Melissa Buffalino, Phil Buffalino (Joline), and his step grandchildren, Marlee, Cici, Carson, and Cayden. Bobby is further survived by his brothers, Tony (Mel), Jimmy, and Larry (Martha), along with many cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends.

A celebration of life, with full military honors, will be held at 2pm on Sunday, September 29, 2019 at Emerald Coast Funeral Home on Racetrack Road, Fort Walton Beach, Florida.  A reception will follow from 3pm to 5pm.  Flowers are accepted and donations may be sent in Bobby’s name to Panhandle Animal Welfare Society, Fort Walton Beach, Florida.

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