Jack McElreath Obituary

Jack William McElreath GOOSE CREEK - Jack William McElreath (October 30, 1936 - April 27, 2023) A good man. A loving, absolutely dependable Dad. A devoted, smitten boyfriend of 24 years. An unjudgmental and compassionate grandfather to two grandsons. An adept, lifelong golfer. A welder. A Navy veteran. A Mason & Shriner. Jack McElreath died recently after a decline accelerated during the pandemic. He maintained his wit and personality throughout his final days, and his close family gathered round him to say goodbye near the end. He made clear he was ready to go a few days prior when he lucidly discussed arrangements for his ashes, and his departure was one of acceptance and assurance. Jack William McElreath was born October 30, 1936, in Atlanta. Youngest of four siblings, he was branded "Snake" by a father who loved him but also terrorized his family when on alcoholic benders. His Daddy was an accomplished mechanic at the cotton mills in Cabbagetown, where his mother also worked to support the family. His Mother's unconditional love went a long way towards helping the children grow up right; she was the sweetest, best woman any of them ever knew. Not much for book learning, Jack gravitated to sports. He admitted the only reason he finished high school was his desire to keep playing football and basketball, and running track. A three-season letterman, he was recognized as one of the best players on the football team in his senior year. A photo from that year shows a sinewy ladykiller with a crew cut and piercing blue eyes. After some short-term work doing things as hard as meatcutting, he learned he might soon be called up for Army service under the draft. He chose the Navy as an enlistee instead and served four years, mostly aboard a submarine stationed out of Charleston. He was an excellent dancer and met fellow shagger, Shirley Muckelvaney, in that time. They danced and dated, never seriously, for over a year. Then Jack's sub was called on to help spot Soviet ships headed for Cuba during the Cuban Missile Crisis. After two tense weeks at sea, Jack came back to Charleston and proposed. They were married weeks later in what some in both families assumed was a shotgun wedding. But Michael, Jack's only child who was born five years later, would later say half-seriously that he gave thanks to Castro and Khrushchev for bringing his parents' courtship to fruition. After the Navy, Jack worked over 30 years at the Charleston Naval Shipyard. He was an accomplished welder and eventually retired as a Foreman. During his career he honed his skills, earned an Associate's degree in mechanical engineering from Trident Tech, and had the chance to do emergency repairs on ships not only in Charleston but also in Virginia, California, and Dubai. Though foreign travel was never something he felt inclined towards, there is a great photo of him on camelback from that work trip. Jack was an innovator who made improvements in ways welding repairs were made. Once a foreman encouraged Jack to write up a new method he had developed, but Jack passed. The foreman wrote it up instead and quickly received a promotion. Though the marriage to Shirley lasted only 18 years, it was in some ways a great success. They threw great parties for dozens of friends and family out of their garage in Northwood Estates. Jack covered the ceiling in mirrored tiles and the makeshift dance floor with red, white, and blue linoleum. Among their set, Jack and Shirley were recognized as excellent shaggers, and brother-in-law Jack Laidlaw, once said, "Jack Mc-I never heard of anybody didn't like that bas____!" Jack was affable, kind, and easygoing, and his generosity came back to him many times over. The highlight of Jack and Shirley's marriage was the arrival of Michael in 1967, when Jack was 31. He couldn't wait to tell his own father about the arrival of the only male grandchild with his last name. Michael's childhood was filled with the love of two parents who thought he walked on water, and they made sacrifices to give him every chance at success. They sent him to private schools and were proud that he went to college on a full scholarship, graduating with honors. They were glad to see him find meaningful work that he loves as an educator. After the end of the marriage, Jack was super-fortunate in two ways: first, he re-kindled his earlier love of golf and played as often as possible. In retirement, he often would play four or more rounds per week. His circle of golf buddies knew him well and envied his low scores. Once at a party, Jack spotted a distinguished gentleman using a putter as a cane. Jack sidled up and said, "Excuse me sir, but what is your handicap?" The other stroke of good luck was introduction by a mutual friend to his longest and dearest companion, Virginia Dangerfield. The daughter of a Methodist minister, Ginger had grown up in itty-bitty towns all over rural SC. She had been married twice already, but Jack was hands-down the love of her life. He was loving and patient and giving in a way she'd always assumed a husband should be, and they pledged their devotion to each other even as they continued living in sin. There was no doubt in either family about how good the two of them were for each other; when soulmates find each other, it's obvious. They were together over 24 years, and Ginger is another grandma to Michael's sons. Jack maintained his strong ties with his siblings and their children, most of whom remained in and around Atlanta. He was especially close to sister, Florence, a dozen years older; and brother, Ralph, four years older. Jack lived with Florence and her husband, Red, as a teenager, and Red was the stable, sober, and loving mentor that Jack's Daddy had sometimes failed to be. Florence's four children called him "Uncle Jack", though the oldest was only 9 years his junior. Jack deeply loved brother, Ralph, his childhood sweetheart (and then wife of nearly 60 years), Margie, and their girls, Darlene and Kathy. He vacationed and spent holidays and extended visits with them and their families for many years, and four more grandchildren grew to love Uncle Jack. Jack and Ginger were careful not to expose themselves to crowds during the first year of the Covid pandemic, but all that time sitting at home took a serious toll. With less movement and social interaction, Jack declined rapidly. When cognitive decline became obvious, Michael insisted Jack should stop driving. Michael told Jack he would get the best price he could on his car and asked for the keys. With a characteristic cock of the head and a wry smile, Jack's reply was, "Just like that?" Just like that. The end was hard, and too fast. Jack moved into assisted living and then memory care about a year ago. Ginger visited many hours every day and Michael came down from his home in NC to see Jack about once a month. He was supported by his sister-in-law, Lurene, and neighbor, Jesus Ferrer, in this time, and Shirley and her husband, Jim, visited more than once to help out. Jack accepted that his good journey, filled with love and good fortune, was nearly through. For Michael and his wife, Becky, Jack has been a constant, unfailing source of love and support. No greater gift could he have given than the unconditional love he has shown to his son for 55 years, his wife, and their two sons, Caleb and Archer. That love has been unwavering and certain, no matter what surprises may have come. Jack has loved his grandsons as they become their fullest versions of themselves, demonstrating the love every parent should. And, feeling so loved, the people in Jack's life return their love to him. Jack is survived by Michael, Becky, Caleb, and Archer; Ginger and her daughter, Ginny Harden, and her husband and daughter, Hank and Cheney; by Ralph's widow, Margie, and nieces, Darlene Christie and Kathy Massey and their families; by nieces and nephews, Sharon Creel, Gerann Blanton, Joy McKinney, Tommy Smith, and Marty Turner, and their families. His ex-wife, Shirley, and her husband, Jimmy Bayne; his sister-in-law, Lurene Laidlaw, and her family; and his nephew, Bill Fanning, who visited with him a few months ago and shared fond memories of 50 years back. Jack was predeceased by his parents, Marvin and Gertrude; his sisters, Florence Smith and Kathryn Turner; and his brother, Ralph. As he wished, Jack's body will be cremated and his ashes subdivided to rest eternally along with the remains of his brother, his girlfriend, and his son. A memorial service will be held for Jack later in the year, details TBD. Visit our guestbook at legacy.com/obituaries/charleston