Teveris James Alando McMurtry

The world lost a fit and tall legend on July 26, 2023, as Teveris "Mac" McMurtry, known for his love of graphic tees, unmatched wisdom, iconic laugh, finessed debate skills, and uncanny resemblance to Ludacris, bid his final howl farewell. Born and raised in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Teveris graduated from Transition High School and embarked on a journey to inspire young minds through his work at City Year Milwaukee and St. Charles Youth and Family Services.

Teveris was not only known for his commitment to bettering the community, but also by one of his many profound statements: "I don't have to do anything but be black and die." And while he may have technically been right, Teveris was destined for so much more than that. Teveris battled his own demons meanwhile championing the well-being of those around him. His giving nature was driven by an innate desire and purpose to make the world a better place, one small act of genuine kindness at a time. He embodied strength, wisdom, and integrity; qualities he shared with everyone around him even when the world took more than its fair share. Teveris had a remarkable understanding of people – he could see into their souls while simultaneously cracking a joke that you would remember forever.

Teveris met Bre, the person he wanted to annoy and be annoyed by for the rest of their lives, in 2017. He said he 'genuinely believed someone sent her to me,' and by 'someone,' he meant someone trying to commit identity theft. Teveris and Bre were inseparable just a week after meeting, even after Bre quite literally ran away at first sight of him. In 2018, Teveris and Bre moved to Fort Lauderdale, Florida, to start the next chapter in their lives. Teveris continued impacting the local community even in a new place, working at the Wilton Manors After School Program, the Broward Juvenile Detention Center, and as a student loan advisor at Nelnet, Inc., lending his wisdom to countless youth and adults in a new city. Teveris's 'son', Miso, entered his life in March 2020, bringing both annoyance and joy into his life that only paralleled Bre's.

When he wasn't inspiring others, Teveris was immersing himself in his various hobbies. He was a master of Dungeons and Dragons, conjuring up infinite character concepts and backstories and roleplaying them with craft. Video games gave him both a dopamine rush when winning, and blazing fury when losing, highlighting his competitive spirit. His passion for music and battle rap flowed through his veins, and his freestyles were as smooth and effortless as his infectious laughter. His biggest musical inspirations being Lupe Fiasco, Frank Ocean, Jay-Z, and Kendrick Lamar, just to name a few. Yet another of Teveris's loves was food. Eating was a true form of happiness for him, as was watching countless culinary shows and trying new foods abroad. Anime and movies were his portal to different realms, each film or episode a chance to escape and find inspiration for his own creative endeavors. His guilty pleasures included binge watching trashy reality TV and ordering Uber Eats at any opportunity.

Teveris was a true Sensei, a master of life's teachings, guiding those around him with his distinct blend of humor and wisdom. He had a passion for traveling, for understanding more about the world with every journey, which led him to destinations including California, South Korea, Montreal, St. Croix, and St. Lucia. Teveris was infinitely proud of creating the Campfire Burger at Stack'd Burger Bar in Milwaukee, his tweet being featured in a Burger King commercial, beating the Big Milwaukee Burger Challenge, carrying his teammates in every lobby of Fortnite or Apex Legends, teaching Miso a myriad of tricks, and receiving Lupe Fiasco's sweaty concert towel.

Even when confronted with adversity, Teveris's spirit persevered and he truly embraced another of his sayings, "It be like that". Diagnosed with Crohn's Disease in early 2023, he turned his battle into an opportunity to joke with every nurse and doctor he encountered. Teveris had so much more to live for; he didn't make it to his dream destinations of Japan or Hawaii, see In-N-Out Burger established in Florida, hear Grape Drink 2, or release his debut mixtape that many were long awaiting, but those closest to him will ensure these dreams persist as a testament to the vibrant spirit that he was.

Teveris will live on through his 'everything', Breanna, his 'son' Miso, and his closest friends, each a member of his wolfpack. He is also survived by his beloved grandmother 'Momma Glo,' his siblings Christy and CJ, his mother Bridget, his aunt Monie (Donovan), his niece and nephew Sonovia and Bubba, and his cousin Diedrick.

In the words of Teveris himself: "More time isn't something you can work towards." So, cherish every moment and let us honor his memory in the best way possible: enjoy a juicy burger, unleash your competitive spirit, travel the world with undying curiosity, channel your inner creativity, and always surround yourself with laughter.