Ronald ‘Mac’ Charles McCarthy

Ronald “Mac” Charles McCarthy was born in Massena, N.Y. on June 20, 1948. He grew up in nearby Winthrop, N.Y. He had a large family with many siblings, step- siblings and half siblings.

Looking for adventure, he enlisted in the Navy in 1965 at the age of 17. He served on several ships and land assignments during the Vietnam War. His experience during the Vietnam War haunted him during the remainder his life.

While stationed on Midway Island in October 1970, he met Deborah Porter. They were married on June 18, 1971, in Honolulu, Hawaii. Men make many decisions in their lives — some good and some bad — but the decision to marry Deborah was the best one he ever made.

During their marriage, they raised two sons. Timothy Scott, born in 1973, and Matthew Louis, born in 1975. He was stationed all over the world on ships, shore duty and deployed with the Seabees. Prior to his retirement in 1993, he was stationed in the middle east during the Gulf War.

Mac retired after serving 28 years in the Navy rising to the rank of Senior Chief Petty Officer (E-8). He was awarded many metals and ribbons including the Navy Commendation Medal, Navy Achievement Medal (4th award), Navy Unit Commendation and the Vietnam service metal (with 3 bronze stars). After retirement, they moved from Gulfport, Miss., to be close to family (grandkids) in Ruston.

Mac is survived by his wife, Deborah; son, Timothy (Jennifer); grandsons, Cameron, Ethan, Joshua and Tanner; brother Gary (Cheryl) McCarthy; sisters, Nancy McCarthy and Janet (Gary) Grill; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his son, Matthew, his parents and many siblings.

The vow “until death us do part” lasted 53 years and for “in sickness and in health” Deborah stayed by his bedside until the end telling him she loved him; he had provided for her and it was time to let go. He passed from this life into eternity on October 1, 2024.

A visitation will be held on Sunday, October 6, 2024, from 2- 4 p. m. at Kilpatrick Funeral Home Chapel in Ruston.

Online condolences may be extended to the family at www. kilpatrickfuneralhomes. com.