Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, November 9, 2023, in the First Baptist Church of Leesville with Bro. Craig Forque and Bro. Jerry Pennfield officiating. Burial will follow in the Central Louisiana Veterans Cemetery in Leesville.
Visitation will be Wednesday, November 8, 2023, from 5:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. at Labby Memorial Funeral Home in Leesville.
Dalton McKinley “Mac” Waldrop, Jr., age 91 of Leesville, Louisiana, passed away on Friday, November 3, 2023. Mac was born January 17, 1932, in Jackson, Mississippi, to Dalton and Ruth Peavy Waldrop. Mac was one of five children and grew up on a family farm in Pontotoc County, Mississippi. Upon graduating high school, Mac, along with his older brother Hugh, joined the United States Air Force in 1950, both flying on the same B-29 Superfortress during the Koren War as part of the 441st Bomb Squadron, 320th Bomb Wing. Mac continued to serve his country as part of the United States Air Force Reserve until 1958.
Mac graduated from Mississippi State University with a Bachelor of Science. He received his Master of Science from Louisiana State University. Upon graduation from Mississippi State, he went to work for the Louisiana Cooperative Extension Service (LSU AgCenter). Mac married Lelia Mae Brewer of Simpson, Louisiana, on February 13, 1958.
Mac served the people of Vernon Parish for over 40 years as assistant county agent for 4-H work, associate county agent, and as county agent. He also served as the chairman of the Parish Extension office in Leesville. During his 40-year career with the Extension Service, he touched the lives of many individuals throughout Vernon Parish. Mac was awarded the Distinguished Service Award from the National Association of County Agricultural Agents in 1994 for his outstanding service and work in extension education.
A dedicated husband and father, Mac had profound influence on his family and friends and was known for his kind heart and willingness to always help others. He had a strong work ethic and enjoyed growing pecan trees which were sold across the state. Every fall he looked forward to Saturdays where he cheered on his beloved Mississippi State Bulldogs, through the ups and downs of SEC football.
Mac is survived by his wife of 65 years, Lelia Mae Brewer Waldrop; his children, Lisa Waldrop Lewis and husband Trey, Shelia Knoll and husband Matt; grandchildren, Erin Lee Lewis, Megan Bishop, Casey Ann Lewis, and Kate Bishop; his sister-in-law Shaunda Brewer Netherland; niece Sara Netherland; and his siblings Virginia Waldrop Stephens, R.J. Waldrop, and Jean Waldrop Hopson.
He is preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Hugh Waldrop.
The family would like to thank all the friends who showed love and support to him during the last months of his life. We are eternally grateful for your love and support.
