Mr. Martin Rhode Mack

Martin Mack was born on November 7, 1929, in East Towson, Maryland to the late Edward Sr. and Beulah (Watkins) Mack. On Friday, July 5, 2024, at Gilchrist Hospice Center-Stadium Place, the Almighty God, in his infinite wisdom, mercy and grace, ushered Martin to his heavenly home.
Martin was educated in the Baltimore County School System attending Carver School. He proudly served in the United States Army from 1951-1953 and fought in the Korean War. As a result of his bravery, fearlessness and honor, Martin was awarded the Korean Service Medal with 3 Bronze Stars, the United Nations Service Medal and the Good Conduct Medal. "Hardworking" is an understatement when describing Martin. He was a dedicated employee of Stebbins Anderson and Hochschild Kohn Department stores. We have all heard many, many hilarious stories about them all. Shhh they might want some of their stuff back! After working for Baltimore County Government from 1984 to 2018, Martin FINALLY decided to retire at age 89.
Martin received his religious training from Mt. Olive Baptist Church in Towson, Maryland and was a proud member of #842 Pride of Towson, Elks Lodge, one of the first black lodges of its kind in Towson. Joining the lodge on April 21, 1958, Martin served as an Interguard, Chairman of the Bull Roast, and member of the Drill Team leading the marching band especially on Organization Day. "The Brothers" were most important to Martin and nobody better not say anything negative about the Elks! Martin was most fond of horse racing and played baseball and fast pitched softball. While playing baseball, he was nicknamed "Slugger" because of his power with the bat.
Martin was well known for his generosity, candid and uncensored sense of humor, honesty and wisdom. Although he was the youngest of his siblings, he was known as the patriarch of the family as well as the community. If you didn't find "Unc" serving up drinks and shooting the breeze over at the Elks, you could always count on him to be sitting on his front porch on Lennox Avenue, shouting a loud "Heyyyy" and giving a wide wave to everyone who "beeped" by. Martin loved East Towson to his core and his absence will be greatly felt throughout the community.
In addition to his parents, Martin was proceeded in death by his wife Ruth (Cole) Mack and his ten older siblings: Mary Dorsey, Edna Mack, Elizabeth Kenton, Alice Johnson, Beulah Bess, Catherine Myers, Bernice Lee, Aurelia Ficklin, Clara Pinkney and Edward Mack Jr.
He leaves to cherish his memory, his long-term partner in life, Dorothy Benton; daughters Vivian and Donna Gardner; bonus daughter Gertrude Bond; goddaughter Sharita Wright; devoted great niece and caregiver, Terri Hill; loving nieces Gloria "Suebell" Hill, Lora Bess and Delilah Vick; bonus granddaughters Dietrice Jackson and Kenyetta (John) Hayes; 8 bonus great grands and great-great grands; a million nieces and a host of nephews, family and friends too many to name. Especially fond memories are left with Gui Drakeford (as he affectionately called "Big Man/Greg") and nephews Bobby Lee and Timothy Brown. He NEVER let us forget how much he loved us.