Murrell "Mac" Chester McCumber Jr.

“Mac” Murrell Chester McCumber Jr., 85, of Charlotte, North Carolina, passed away on September 5, 2025. He was born on July 6, 1940, in Jackson, Mississippi, to the late Murrell C. McCumber Sr. and Louise Marie McCumber. He grew up in Arkansas and graduated from Little Rock High School before beginning a life of distinguished service to his country.

Mac enlisted in the United States Navy in 1957, beginning a 22-year career that spanned the globe. His early service took him to Japan in the 1950s, where he began his submarine service aboard the USS Hardhead and later the USS John C. Calhoun (SSBN-630, Gold Crew), completing five Poseidon deterrent patrols of vital strategic importance to the United States. He was then stationed in Naples, Italy, from 1967 to 1970, followed by relocating to California, Connecticut, and Charleston, South Carolina. He later returned to Naples in 1975 and served there until 1979, retiring as a Chief Petty Officer, Radioman (Submarine Service). His leadership at the Naples Fleet Broadcast Center earned him the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, recognizing his exceptional performance and dedication to duty.

After retiring from the Navy, Mac moved back to Charleston, South Carolina, before beginning a second career with the U.S. Department of State from 1980 to 2000 in Geneva, Switzerland. His assignments took him to embassies and missions across the world, including Paris, France; Cairo, Egypt; Bonn, Germany; Sana’a, Yemen; Copenhagen, Denmark; Oslo, Norway; and Geneva, Switzerland. Along the way, he received numerous honors, among them the Meritorious and Superior Honor Awards. In March 2000, he was recognized by the White House Communications Agency for providing critical communications support for the President, the White House staff, and the United States Secret Service.

Following his retirement from government service, Mac continued to embrace life abroad. He lived in Geneva, Switzerland, before moving to Vic, France, then Pisa, Italy, and finally returning to the United States in 2025.

Though proud of his career, Mac will be remembered most for who he was. Known by many across the world, he carried a genuine and kind heart that touched the lives of everyone he met. He was a man of quiet strength, humility, and warmth, who gave freely of his time and care to others.

Mac is survived by his wife, Ingrid Nilson McCumber; his son Daniel F. McCumber, and daughters Cynthia M. Kimbrell and Karen Dobbins; his grandchildren, Renée Margetts, Heather Porter, Jonathan Munas, Ricky Kimbrell, Michael Kimbrell, and Daniel Kimbrell; and his great-grandchildren, Albert and Renata Margetts; Rorie and Eberley Munas; and Violet Kimbrell and Davina Barrett. He is also survived by his siblings, “Bill” William McCumber, Patrick McCumber, Nancy Dowdy, Kathleen Muirhead, and Cecelia Kelso.

Although no formal service will be held, as family and friends are spread across the United States, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, Switzerland, and beyond, Mac’s legacy will be remembered across the world. In accordance with his wishes, he will be honored with a Navy burial in recognition of his lifelong service and devotion to his country.

Mac’s life was a remarkable journey, defined not only by his service and dedication but also by the love, kindness, and warmth he gave so freely. His presence brightened every room, and his heart was as vast as the places he traveled. His family is deeply grateful to the dear friends and loved ones who walked alongside him, cared for him, and shared in his story. May his memory continue to inspire the same strength, compassion, and joy he gave to so many.

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