Harry H. “MAC” McBrayer Jr Obituary and Death: Beloved Dunbar Resident and Longtime Chemical Engineer Harry H. “MAC” McBrayer Jr. Passes Away at 90: A Life of Dedication to Family, Community, and Hobbies
Harry H. “MAC” McBrayer Jr., a cherished citizen of Dunbar, West Virginia, and former resident of Belle and Charleston, passed away peacefully on September 24, 2024, at the age of 90. Surrounded by family, he entered the presence of the Lord after a life filled with love, community involvement, and professional success. His death marks the end of a long, fruitful life that had a deep impact on those who knew him.
Born in the mid-20th century, Mac’s life was a testament to devotion, hard work, and loyalty to his passions, which ranged from music and sports to chemical engineering. As a child, he found joy in music and the camaraderie of team sports. As an adult, he transformed his intellectual gifts and work ethic into a successful career, while continuing to enjoy the hobbies he held dear: music, tennis, and golf.
Early Life and Education:
Harry H. McBrayer Jr., affectionately known as “Mac” to family and friends, was born in the 1930s. He grew up in Belle, a small town nestled along the banks of the Kanawha River in West Virginia. As a young boy, Mac demonstrated an early passion for music and a knack for sports. His participation in the school band at Belle Elementary and Dupont Junior High provided the foundation for a lifelong love of music, a hobby that would bring him joy throughout his life. Mac’s love for the arts was balanced by an equal enthusiasm for sports, where he excelled on the football field. These formative years helped shape his character, laying the groundwork for the man he would become.
After completing his early education in Belle and Dupont Junior High, Mac made the decision to transfer to Castle Heights Military Academy. Located in Lebanon, Tennessee, Castle Heights was renowned for its rigorous academic program and emphasis on discipline and leadership. It was here that Mac honed his football talents and developed the discipline and perseverance that would serve him throughout his life. The academy provided a structured environment where Mac thrived both academically and athletically, shaping his commitment to excellence and self-improvement.
Higher Education and Career Beginnings:
In 1966, Mac achieved a significant milestone in his academic journey, graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering from Morris Harvey College (now the University of Charleston). His academic pursuits in chemical engineering were driven by a desire to engage in meaningful, challenging work. The knowledge and skills he acquired during his college years laid the foundation for his future professional success.
Soon after graduation, Mac embarked on a remarkable 43-year career with Occidental Chemical Corporation, a global leader in chemical production and manufacturing. Joining Occidental in the late 1960s, Mac began his tenure at the company as a dedicated and talented chemical engineer. Over the years, his commitment to his work and his attention to detail led him to be promoted to the position of Lab Supervisor, a role he held for many years until his retirement.
Mac’s contributions to Occidental Chemical were highly regarded by his colleagues and superiors alike. His expertise in chemical engineering and leadership in the laboratory were crucial to the company’s success during his tenure. In the Lab Supervisor role, Mac was responsible for overseeing critical testing processes and ensuring that all products met the highest standards of quality and safety. His work was not only technically demanding, but it also required him to manage a team of engineers and lab technicians, a task that he performed with integrity and care.
Mac’s approach to leadership was rooted in patience and mentorship. Those who worked under him often spoke of his generosity in sharing his knowledge and his willingness to guide and support younger engineers. His leadership style fostered a collaborative and supportive work environment, and many of his colleagues considered him both a mentor and a friend.
After 43 years of dedicated service, Mac retired from Occidental Chemical. His departure from the company marked the end of an era for his colleagues, who continued to speak of his contributions and influence long after his retirement.
Hobbies and Personal Passions:
While Mac’s professional life was an important part of his identity, he was equally devoted to his personal passions, which included music, tennis, and golf. Throughout his life, Mac demonstrated a remarkable ability to balance his career with his love for these hobbies, each of which brought him immense joy and fulfillment.
Music remained a central part of Mac’s life long after his days in the school band. Whether playing an instrument or enjoying a live performance, he never lost his appreciation for the artistry and emotion that music could evoke. His involvement in local musical groups and community events allowed him to continue sharing his love for music with others. Mac believed that music was not just a form of entertainment but a powerful way to connect with people and express emotions that words alone could not convey.
Tennis and golf were also among Mac’s favorite pastimes. He took up both sports in his younger years and remained active on the courts and the golf course well into his later years. His competitive spirit and commitment to staying physically active made him a formidable opponent, but he always approached the games with good humor and a sense of camaraderie. Mac’s love for sports extended beyond competition; for him, tennis and golf were ways to spend time with friends, challenge himself physically, and enjoy the beauty of the outdoors.
In addition to his personal hobbies, Mac was a devoted family man. He cherished time spent with his loved ones, whether it was playing a round of golf with his children or attending a concert with his wife. His family remembers him as a man who was always there to offer support, guidance, and love, no matter the circumstance. His kindness and generosity extended to friends and neighbors, many of whom considered him a pillar of the community.
Legacy in the Community:
Mac’s contributions to the communities of Dunbar, Belle, and Charleston were felt far beyond his professional achievements. His involvement in local organizations, charitable causes, and community events made him a beloved figure in the region. Over the years, Mac became known not just for his work as a chemical engineer but for his generous spirit and willingness to lend a helping hand to those in need.
In particular, Mac was a passionate supporter of animal welfare causes, an interest that led him to become involved with Dream aWay Cat Rescue, a local non-profit organization dedicated to rescuing and caring for abandoned and stray cats. Mac’s love for animals was well-known, and his support for Dream aWay Cat Rescue helped ensure that countless cats were given the care and shelter they needed. In lieu of flowers, Mac’s family has asked that contributions be made to Dream aWay Cat Rescue, a fitting tribute to a man who cared deeply about the well-being of all creatures.
Additionally, Mac’s family has requested that donations be made to HospiceCare, another organization close to Mac’s heart. HospiceCare provides compassionate end-of-life care to patients and their families, a cause that resonated with Mac in his later years. His family’s decision to honor his memory by supporting HospiceCare reflects Mac’s deep empathy and concern for others, especially those facing difficult times.
Memorial Service and Lasting Impact:
To celebrate Mac’s life and legacy, a memorial service will be held on Sunday, October 6, 2024, at Keller Funeral Home in Dunbar. The service will take place from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m., giving friends, family, and community members an opportunity to pay their respects and share their memories of a man who touched so many lives.
As those who knew him gather to say their final goodbyes, the impact of Mac’s life will undoubtedly be felt for years to come. His legacy is one of kindness, integrity, and devotion to both his work and his passions. In every aspect of his life, Mac demonstrated a commitment to excellence and a love for the people and communities he held dear.
While Mac’s passing marks the end of an era for his family and community, his memory will live on in the hearts of all who were fortunate enough to know him. His contributions to his profession, his community, and his family will continue to inspire future generations, and his life will be remembered as one of purpose, love, and joy.
Conclusion:
The life of Harry H. “MAC” McBrayer Jr. was one well-lived. From his early years excelling in music and sports to his distinguished career in chemical engineering, Mac approached every aspect of his life with passion and dedication. His love for his family, friends, and community was evident in everything he did, and his legacy will continue to influence those who knew him for years to come.
Though he is no longer with us, the memory of Mac’s generosity, kindness, and determination will remain strong. As we celebrate his life, we remember not only his accomplishments but the values and spirit that defined him.