Benson Rayfield “Mac” McLendon, Jr. of Shoal Creek, AL passed away on July 4. He was born in Atlanta, GA on August 10, 1945 and moved to Trussville in his early years. His family moved to Montgomery when Mac was 10 where he began his love of golf. After graduating from Robert E. Lee High School in 1963, he accepted a full scholarship to LSU, graduating in 1967. While at LSU, he won the SEC Championship all three years he was eligible and was name to First Team All American his senior year.
After a very successful amateur career which saw wins in the Future Masters, Alabama State Junior Championship twice, and the Alabama State Amateur Championship twice, Mac decided to turn pro. He qualified for the PGA Tour in 1968 and played actively until 1980. After a successful professional career winning 5 tour events, Mac settled down with his family in Birmingham, where he enjoyed helping people achieve their financial goals. Mac always said he was very fortunate to have two careers he loved.
Mac was inducted into the Montgomery Sports Hall of Fame, LSU Sports Hall of Fame, and the Alabama Sports Hall of Fame.
Mac was preceded in death by his son, Lance Robert McLendon; his parents, Benson Rayfield and Mildred Thompson McLendon; and his brother, John Clyde McLendon. Mac is survived by the love of his life for 55 years, Joan Garrett McLendon; daughter and son-in-law, Amy McLendon McLevaine and Jason McLevaine; grandsons, Landon Clark McLevaine and Garrett Robert McLevaine; all of Birmingham; and sister, Suzanne McLendon Vickrey of Leeds, AL.
The funeral will be Friday, July 8, 2022 at Vestavia Hills United Methodist Church with visitation from 10:30 am until 12 pm, with the service to follow. There will be a private graveside service.
The family would like to give special thanks to Cynthia, Roslyn, Latrice, Angels of Mercy, and Amedisys Hospice for their love and care shown to Mac and the family during his illness.
The family suggests any memorials be made to the Troy University Foundation for the Lance Robert McLendon Scholoarship, 301 Adams Administration Building, Troy, AL 35082 (troy.edu/macmclendon) or the Alzheimer’s Association of Alabama, 1 Metroplex Dr, Suite 230, Birmingham, AL 35209
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.johnsridoutselmwoodchapel.com for the McLendon family.
