John Howard "Howdy" Mack Jr., 69, of Charlottesville, Virginia, died on Sunday, January 12, 2014, at his home.

 Born on July 8, 1944, in Uniontown, Pennsylvania, he was the son of the late John Howard Mack Sr. and Kathleen Mack.

He graduated from Bridgewater College in 1966, and got his Master's degree from Hollins University.  He taught high school Spanish and English in many schools around Virginia.  He also coached football, wrestling, track, baseball, and basketball.  He retired from his head coaching position at Albemarle High School in 1994, and retired from teaching at AHS in 2006.  He loved golf and enjoyed a position as a players' assistant at Birdwood after his retirement.  He loved his family dearly and was enjoying watching his two grandsons grow up.

 He is survived by his wife, Carolyn Mack of Charlottesville; two daughters, Heather Layton and her husband, Doug, of Charlottesville, and Holly Mack of Charlottesville; two grandsons, John Hunter Layton and Connor Stuart Layton of Charlottesville; four sisters, Peggy Boales and her husband, Keith, of Ashland, Ohio, Joy Goodwin and her fiancé, JT, of Columbus, Ohio, Ruth Ann Yocum and her husband, Don, of Ashland, Ohio, and Robyn Kelly and her husband, Kevin, of New London, Ohio; two brothers, Don Mack and his wife, Lisa, of Sevierville, Tennessee, and Bob Mack and his wife, Rose Ann, of Ashland, Ohio; an aunt, Jean Lonsinger of Ashland, Ohio, and many nieces and nephews.

Many coaches, players, students, and friends he impacted over the years also remember him fondly.  The family would like to thank the countless family members and friends who have helped in so many ways these past few years.  The love and support was so appreciated.

The family will receive friends from 5 until 8 p.m. Thursday, January 16, 2014, at Hill and Wood Funeral Home in Charlottesville, Virginia. A private memorial service will be held at a later date.

 In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial contributions be made in his name to the Athletic Program at Bridgewater College, 402 East College Street, Box 33, Bridgewater, VA 22812.  Friends may send condolences to the family at www.hillandwood.com.

Submitted by Sam Clarke and Connie Crenshaw

Wednesday, January 15, 2014 12:01 am