Mack Parmer Stringfield Jr.

Mack P. Stringfield Jr. passed away on July 29th, 2026 at the age of 80. While he led a full and vibrant life, his final years were marked by a courageous battle with cancer, during which he experienced both meaningful victories and many joyful days before ultimately succumbing to the illness. He is survived by his wife of 50 years, Sherri L. Garnett Stringfield, his two sons, Jason J. Stringfield (wife, Carole) and Kyle D. Stringfield (wife, Nicole), and his sister, Stephanie Jefcoat. He was a loving grandfather to two granddaughters (children of Jason) and an infant grandson (child of Kyle), whose birth he eagerly awaited and was blessed to learn of shortly before his passing.

Mack was born in Corpus Christi, Texas to Mack Parmer Sr. and Mogaret Janice Stringfield, both from Athens, TX. He cherished his childhood in Corpus, often visiting Padre Island to fish or just hang out at the beach. He graduated from Carroll High School and enjoyed causing mischief during his enrollment as much as attending class, but always kept the pranks fun.

After graduating, he was called to duty during the Vietnam War and enlisted in the U.S. Navy. He served as an Electrician’s Mate for four years, including tours of duty onboard the USS COGSWELL (DD-651) and the USS CARPENTER (DD-825), where he deployed to southeast Asia and the Tonkin Gulf. Though he didn’t realize it at the time, those years were incredibly influential; he reconnected with fellow “Tin Can” Sailors later in life, several of whom had served alongside him. Following his honorable discharge in 1969, he returned to Corpus, spending his free time working on race cars and dune buggies with friends.

Seeking a new direction, he returned to live for a time with his parents in Pensacola, Florida and ultimately moved to Mississippi to earn his Associate degree at junior college. He continued his education at Mississippi State University, where he soon met the eventual love of his life, Sherri Garnett. The two connected immediately and married after only an eight-month courtship. A year later, they moved to the New Orleans area to live, work, and raise their two sons, Jason and Kyle. They enjoyed the city’s vibrant food scene, Mardi Gras parades, golfing, watching little league games, and throwing tennis balls with their Sheltie, Sherman.

Mack later began working for the Department of Labor as a Claims Examiner, a role he held until his retirement. In 1999, the family moved to Texas, the place they had longed to return to, largely due to Mack’s deep roots in the state. As his kids attended high school, he spent eight years supporting his “band kids” as a roadie for their school band program, managing the loading and unloading of instruments and gear and chaperoning field trips. He was proud to watch his sons grow into young men and pursue their own endeavors.

In 2010, Mack retired from the Department of Labor. He treated himself to a new Corvette, a car he had always admired, and became an active member of the Corvette Owner Club of Houston, where he expanded his circle of close friends. He also experienced a renewed interest in traveling, accompanying Sherri to various parts of the world, including South Korea and London, where he made lasting friendships with the people he met. After Sherri’s retirement, the couple moved to the small town of Belton, Texas, to enjoy a slower pace of life closer to family.

Throughout his life, Mack deeply appreciated the relationships he built and made it a priority to stay connected with those he cared about, regardless of distance. Especially in retirement, he frequently gathered with friends in Corpus Christi, New Orleans, and Houston, visiting as often as his health allowed. He cherished keeping in touch by sending cards and gifts for special occasions, becoming a first-name regular at the local Post Office, and ensuring that often-overlooked individuals felt appreciated. Mack will be greatly missed by all who knew him, but he has passed peacefully to the Lord, joining his parents, relatives, and friends who preceded him.

The memorial service for Mack will be held on August 11th at 10:00 AM at Cook-Walden Forest Oaks in Austin, Texas, followed by a graveside military service. A reception will immediately follow at the home of Earl and Vicky Lewis. The family kindly requests that guests bring any of the cards that Mack sent, as they beautifully reflect his love and humor. If you would like to make a gift in Mack’s honor, the family welcomes donations to the National WWII Museum in New Orleans or the National Museum of Naval Aviation in Pensacola.