There will never be another Mac Motes. In fact, it has been noted that A.I. could not recreate him. Mac never met a stranger. He greeted life and everyone he met with a warm smile, a big laugh, and sincere appreciation for all that person brought to the world. Mac loved people and was beloved in return.
Mac was born in 1953 to Hugh and Carolyn Motes in Sylacauga, Alabama. He graduated from Sylacauga High School before obtaining his degree in building science from Auburn University. While at Auburn, Mac was a member of Phi Gamma Delta (Fiji) where he made many good lifelong friends.
After college, Mac returned home to take over the family construction business though he came back to Auburn to win the love of his life, Paula Taylor. Mac and Paula were married in 1980 and have had many adventures over the years, traveling the world over, making cherished memories along the way and spending time with their two daughters, Carrie and Abbie. Over the years, Mac coached a variety of girls volleyball, basketball and softball teams, loving every minute of it. He never missed a dance recital, school play, or sporting event. He was always there for his girls.
Mac enjoyed spending time with his family, discussing the cosmos with his son-in-law David and devoting hours to developing building skills, be it in the sand or with legos, with his three grandchildren, Mac, Felicity and Joseph. He loved his family, including his dogs, with his whole heart.
Mac served as the Director of Facilities at Grandview Medical Center (and previously Trinity Medical Center and Baptist Montclair Hospital and Baptist Princeton Hospital) for 43 years. He loved his job and everyone that he worked with at the hospital. Mac would walk the hospital daily and enjoyed interacting with everyone he encountered along the way. Mac touched many lives during his long tenure with the hospital and made many lifelong friends.
After retiring in the fall of 2024, Mac continued his role in facilities management by chairing the building maintenance committee at Mountain Brook Baptist Church. Mac became fast friends with his pastor, Wayne Splawn, and many others at the church. During his battle with cancer, Mac reconnected with many old friends and truly appreciated their continued support and prayers.
Mac is survived by his loving wife, Paula; daughters, Carrie Motes and Abbie (David) Weigel; grandchildren, Mac, Felicity and Joseph Weigel; brother, Stewart (Lynita) Motes; sisters-in-law, Nancy Buckner and Allison (Dwayne) Taylor Poer, and numerous nieces and nephews, Taylor (Celeste) Buckner, Ramsey Buckner, Joelle (Mark) Limbaugh, Jana (Andy) Patton, Julia (Ryan) York, Judson (Loryn) Motes, Jordan (Zack) Young, Taylor Grace Poer, and Drew Poer, along with numerous great nieces and nephews. He is also survived by his beloved dogs, Paxton and Sully. Mac was preceded in death by his parents, Hugh M. Motes and Carolyn Stewart Motes. The family would like to extend a special thank you to everyone in the CICU and GIR at Grandview Medical Center for their wonderful care of Mac.
A Celebration of Life Service will be held on Monday, March 30th at 2:00 pm at Mountain Brook Baptist Church. Visitation will follow the service at the church. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that gifts be made to the Ronald McDonald House of Alabama or your preferred charity in Mac’s honor.
