LTC Clarence Albert “Mac” McComber of Fredericksburg, U.S. Army-ret., passed away Feb. 7, 2017, at his home in the arms of his loving wife, Nan, and with his daughter, Gina Walker and husband Carlton at his side.
Mac was born Jan. 2, 1929 in Auburn, New York, to Theodore “Ted” and Mildred White McComber.
Mac was a graduate of New York Clarkson Institution of Technology and did undergraduate studies at numerous colleges and universities around the country. He served in the New York State Militia during his last two years at Oswego High School, Oswego, New York, and enlisted in the Army following graduation in 1946. After Boot Camp, he was assigned to the 516th Signal Battalion in Guam where he was discharged as Corporal. He enlisted in the Army Reserve and was called to active duty August 1950. He entered Officers Candidate School in the Infantry Corps at Fort Benning, Georgia, graduating a 2nd Lieutenant and was assigned to Fort Myer and the Pentagon. He was then assigned to the 5th Infantry, 5th Signal Company in Augsburg, Germany, followed by assignments in Japan; Berlin, Germany; Seoul, Korea; Iran, Pakistan, England, France, Italy, Vietnam and Thailand, as he moved through the ranks, finishing his Army career with USASTRATCOM Alaska and Fort Huachuca, Arizona; retiring as the USASTRATCOM/USCONARC Liaison Officer, General Officer Staff, Fort Monroe, Virginia.
Mac was awarded the Legion of Merit with two Oak Leaf Clusters, Joint Service Commendation Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Army Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal with two Bronze Stars, Army of Occupational Service Medal (Germany), Korean Service Medal (two), Armed Forces Reserve Medal and several small arms medals.
Upon Mac’s retirement of 23 years in the Army, he became a management consultant for Blue Cross/Blue Shield of Virginia in Richmond for four years; Booz, Allen & Hamilton in New York City for 16 years, and COR, Inc., Falls Church, Virginia, for three years. Mac fully retired in 1993. During his semi and full retirement, he and Nan enjoyed 15 wonderful years traveling in their luxurious motor home around the country and Canada, visiting every state except Hawaii.
Mac was a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, a Master member of the Grand Lodge of Huachuca Lodge 53 F. & A.M. (inducted by his dad in 1959), the American Legion, Life Member of the Military Officers Association of America, the Berlin U.S. Military Veterans Association (BUSMVA), and a charter member of the National Museum of the U.S. Army.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Theodore Jesse and Mildred White McComber, and sister, Joyce McComber Chrisler.
Mac is survived by his loving wife, Nan “Nannie Mae” Belvin Jenkins McComber; sons, Sean McComber and Erik McComber; daughters, Angie Jenkins and Gina Walker (Carlton); grandsons, Collin McComber and Randy Walker (fiancée, Melissa and her daughter, Tammy); sister, Patricia Gessler; special sister-in-law, Vernetta Coates (Richard); loving and caring friends, Sasi Sterling and Liz Smith; special kitty, “Smokee” and special canine friends, “Peanut,” “Shadow” and “Bailey.”
The family thanks Primary Care physician, Dr. Taeho Kim for all the excellent care he has given us for the past 25 plus years, especially during the last several difficult months of Mac’s illness, being available around the clock, and most of all his kind friendship. We are also grateful to Pat Kolakowski (RN) and Dionne Price (CNA) of Mary Washington Home Health (North) of Fredericksburg for their excellent and loving care during the last difficult months of his illness.
Funeral service conducted by the Rev. Bill West was held at 2 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 15, 2017, at Hogg Funeral Home, Gloucester Point. Entombment was at Rosewell Memorial Garden Cemetery with full military honors. The family received friends Tuesday, Feb. 14, 2017, from 6:30-8:30 p.m. at the funeral home.
At other times the family will be at the Quality Inn Gloucester, 6639 Forest Hill Avenue, Room 134, to receive visitors.
Arrangements under the direction of Hogg Funeral Home and Crematory, Gloucester Point. Please visit www.hoggfh.com to share condolences and memories.