Obituary of Willie Gene Mack

Willie Mack, affectionately known by many as Gene, passed away peacefully on August 6th, 2024. He was born on April 10th, 1950 in Darlington, SC to the late Willie Lee Gardner & the late Charlie Mack. The family eventually moved up north settling in Philadelphia, PA. Gene & his siblings eventually moved in with their beloved Uncle Bert & Aunt Mae. Gene learned many things from his aunt & uncle that he carried with him through life. He received his education through the Philadelphia School District throughout his life eventually graduating from Thomas Edison High School in 1969. After graduating, Gene went right into the workforce working first for Sears & Robuck, then transitioned to the Pinckney family oil business & eventually working & retiring from Superior Plus. In 1979, through a mutual friend Gene met the love of his life Barbara at an event and the rest was history. Through Barbara, Gene gained 4 step children (Joyce, Perry, Eric & Tanisha) who he loved as his own and helped raise. Gene enjoyed taking Barbara & the kids to Uncle Bert & Aunt Mae's farm to enjoy picnics, see the animals & pick vegetables during the summertime. Gene loved to go to the Dell Music Center and enjoy summer concerts. Some of his favorite acts included "The Whispers", "The OJays", "Earth, Wind, & Fire" & many more. He also was a huge fan of "JB", the "King of Soul" himself James Brown. He also enjoyed the summer tradition of attending Mack & Pinckney Family reunions where he enjoyed catching up with family members. He also loved sitting in "Big Red", his beloved truck, listening to smooth jazz. Gene loved being a grandfather to his granddaughter, Indya. He enjoyed her traveling to the reunions with him, teaching her how to fish, & teaching her all of the classic old school music. He also REALLY enjoyed when Indya would bring his great granddaughter, Audrey by for a visit & give he loved to give her cookies. He leaves to cherish his loving partner of 45 years, Barbara Coleman. Brothers Franklin Gardner(Lula), & Nelson Rice(Lynn). Sisters Deborah Underwood & Mintze Rice. Step Children Joyce, Perry, Eric & Tanisha Coleman. Granddaughter Indya Abrams(Mark Jr.). Great Grandchildren Audrey & soon to arrive Mark III. A very special cousin, Ethel Mae Black. And a host of nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins & friends. He was proceeded in death by his mother Willie Lee Gardner & Father Charlie Mack. His beloved Uncle Bert & Aunt Eula aka Aunt Mae. His brothers Carnell Mack & Nathaniel Mack.