He was born to Lillier and Walter Pepper July 22, 1931, in Memphis, Tennessee. He attended Rozelle Elementary, Tech High School, Memphis State and Baylor Universities, and was a member of the Pi Kappa Alpha Fraternity. He volunteered for service in the Air Force Reserve, serving during the Korean War.
Happily married to Rose Mays in 1962, they remained together till her death in 2007. This union produced 3 children, 6 grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren. His role as Father and later as Pawpa proved his giant heart, and generous disposition.
His loves included spending time with family, fishing, boating, water skiing, traveling, gardening, outdoors, a good Memphis Tigers, Baylor Bears, or St. Louis Cardinals game.
Known for his wit and sense of humor, kindness, and empathy for others he was loved by everyone he met creating many lifelong friendships
He began his career in printing at the age of 12 working for his father doing the daily deliveries after school. On his return from college he joined the family business full time. He acquired the business in 1962 upon his father’s retirement forming Pepperite Inc and purchasing Toof Engraving creating one of the foremost printing and engraving businesses in the South East. He was honored by the Printing Industry Association as their Man of the Year 1997, and lauded by many as the best boss they ever worked for.
He was a man confident in his faith, over the years he attended, Bellevue Baptist, Kingsway Christian Church, and Germantown Presbyterian.
Mr. Pepper is survived by his son Walter McClung Pepper III “Trey”; his two daughters Lee-Ann Pepper Nolan (Andre) and Heather Pepper Echols (Jack); grandchildren Timothy Dills (Katie), Pepper Stanley (Nick), Keri Pepper, Savannah Dills, Stephen Horr, and Awsten Arterburn; great-grandchildren Parx Stanley, Haydn Burris, Mia Hurst, Trux Stanley, and family friend Jon Anderson.
He was proceeded in death by his spouse Rose Pepper, parents Lillier and Walter Sister Jane McPherson, nephew Andy McPherson and dear friend Barbara Wright.
Visitation will be held Tuesday, January 5, from 5pm to 8pm and funeral services will be held Wednesday January 6 beginning at 10am all at Memphis Funeral Home, 5599 Popular Avenue, Memphis, TN 38119. Those unable to attend the funeral service may watch the service remotely via Facebook Live through Mr. Pepper's webpage via www.memphisfuneralpoplar.com.
“Not a care in the world”- Mack Pepper 1931-2021
