Robert Lee MACK

1941 - 2018

MACK, Robert Lee

October 31, 1941 - March 29, 2018.

Robert Lee Mack, better known as Pie, Mack, Cap, Bob, Daddy, or Granddaddy, now rests in peace with his parents and brothers. His journey on Earth completed, he is now in the company of his beloved mother and cheering on his Miami Hurricanes and Tampa Bay Rays.

For years, Pie battled health issues and somehow, he would overcome every obstacle. He would recover, put on his signature canes hat and head back to the hobbies he loved; gardening, remote control planes, and serving the homeless of Punta Gorda. When he was not tinkering around his home, he was spending time with family or on his "flip-phone" so he would not miss a thing. Family and friends were absolutely everything to him.

Pie was born in Lake City, FL, as the youngest of four children. He would proudly wear the badge of "Momma's Boy" and doted on his mother faithfully. He was her Sweetie Pie. The family moved to St Petersburg where Pie played trumpet in the Gibbs High School band. It was during this time he developed his love for all things plants while working in the nursery at Webbs. As a native Floridian, he loved driving and exploring the backroads of the state. He shunned GPS driving directions, and could tell you how to get to any town in Florida, a skilled learned while delivering rolls of fiberglass to Florida's boat builders.

After high school and college at Florida Normal University he continued his quest for adventures by joining the United States Marine Corps. He was extremely proud of his service and would only take off his University of Miami cap in order to wear a USMC cap. It was during his time in the service where he developed his passion for leading, mentoring, and coaching.

After Pie's time in the USMC, he moved to Miami where he would spend the next 30 plus years as a passionate educator and guidance counselor for Dade County Public Schools. He also found a love of wrestling and coaching; his coaching team would end up as one of state's most successful teams in history.

With his teaching career behind him, Pie continued his passion for teaching, coaching, and mentoring as a member of the New Day church community in Punta Gorda. He discovered the community while out on one of his famous country drives and immediately fell in love with the Deep Creek area. He loved his home, his neighbors, his friends and his church.

To know Bob was to befriend a gentle, humble, unassuming and sincere friend. Although short in stature and humble in character, he left a mark on many, many lives. He sincerely wanted to know "How you were doing" the question was not cliche for him. He will be truly missed.

Bob leaves behind a legacy; his children, Derek, Michele, and Patrick. His sisters, Flossie Hillsman, Jessie Napper and Carolyn Browning. Six grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. Those gone before him include his parents John Thomas Jr and Willie B Thomas. His brothers Cecil and Billy.

In his memory, you may make a donation to charities that assist in the fight against homelessness or live a life caring for others, be there for someone.

Bob's life celebration will be 10 am, Saturday, April 7 at New Day Church, 20212 Peachland Blvd. Port Charlotte, FL 33954. Bob will be placed to rest with his parents, Saturday, April 7 at 2 pm, at Royal Palm North, 2600 Gandy Blvd, St. Petersburg, FL 33702, with reception to follow at James B Sanderlin Family Center, 2335 22nd Ave S., St. Petersburg, FL 33712.

Lawson Funeral Home & Cremation Srv, Inc (727) 623-9025