Obituary of Lynwood Leroy McMichael

LYNWOOD LEROY MCMICHAEL

“MAC”

AUGUST 30, 1926 - JULY 6, 2018

Born in Jackson, Georgia, the middle child of Hattie Elizabeth McBride and Lemuel Elsworth McMichael. He was a skinny tall child with an adventuresome spirit.

He graduated from Richmond Academy for boys in Augusta, Georgia and joined the Navy as soon as he turned 18 serving his country aboard the USS Midway as a signal guard. Growing up during the depressions he chose the branch that he thought would have the best food.

Upon returning to the states he married Rebecca Wood Jennings of Dawson, Georgia in 1950. He received a Bachelor Degree from Georgia Tech and spent most of life working for Southern Bell as a long range planning engineer.

Mac and Becky raised their daughters to be self-reliant, southern manners a priority and education non -negotiable.  Pets were an integral part of their life and Mac believed animals were essential to providing his girls with responsibility, discipline and respect for Mother Nature.

He loved anything he could do outside thus he was an avid hunter, and dedicated horseman. He traded the girls’ playhouse for 4 donkeys so they could ride. The riding animals improved and eventually both daughters were riding and showing their horses in several states. It was a Family affair!

Mac had several friends who were minorities and believed they should have more opportunities. Ahead of his time he insisted that a black friend be served even before Martin Luther King marched. He also argued to promote more females who worked for him at Southern Bell. Knowing he would be ruffle his superior‘s feathers.

Known for his generosity, he was appreciated by many within the “Horsey” circles as he was often asked to take dignitaries for a ride in the woods, drive his pair of horses in a parade, or provide the bride and groom a classic exit from their wedding ceremony. Mac would also teach other how to drive horses provided they would be serious. He often commented the best student are those who are children or teens because “they listen.”  

It important to him that someone in the family continue the tradition of loving and riding horses. He gave one daughter a horse after she became a senior citizen and actually gave one of his great grand- daughters a driving lesson insisting that his daughter pay for her horse camps

He is preceded in death by his parents, brother, sister and wife, Becky. He is survived by daughters, Lynda Dobbins (Steve) of Charlotte and Marsha Stutts (Gary) of Aiken 4 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren.

Graveside service at Southlawn Cemetery 2pm July 13, 2018 with a reception at 3pm Carriage Inn  in Aiken to honor Mac .In lieu of flowers donations would be appropriate to any animal rescue in honor of “Shane and “Bella”.

Lynwood Leroy McMichael with his crusty demeanor, believed in mind over matter, spending time outdoors and living life on his own terms…Happy Trails to the Ole Wagon Master.

The Historic George Funeral Home, 211 Park Ave., SW, Aiken, SC 29801 (803.649.6234), has charge of arrangements.