Born and raised in Spring Hope, NC, Mack graduated from Spring Hope High School in 1959 and was voted "Most Friendly" by his classmates. He made his career with Firestone/Bridgestone, beginning in the lab and later transitioning into tire building before retiring after 30 years of service. Following his retirement, he and his wife owned and operated the Wagner House, an event venue in Clayton, NC, for 18 years. In 2012 they moved back home to New Bern to be near family. He enjoyed traveling with his loving wife, seeing family, friends and visiting their favorite vacation destinations. He loved westerns, bar-b-que, hot dogs, and the Republican Party. Most importantly, he loved the Lord and his family and will be remembered for his grace and kindness.
Funeral service will be at 12 noon on Friday, November 23rd, 2018 at Cotten Funeral Chapel with Pastors Bill Wingard and Dwight Williams officiating. Burial will follow at Greenleaf Memorial Park.
Mack is survived by his wife of 35 years, Brenda Swaringen Avent; sons, McGowen Lee "Mack" Avent, Jr. (Shelby) and Brandon Edward Avent; daughter, Megan Leigh Avent; stepson, Kip Swaringen (Teresa); nephew, David Hamilton (Robin); grandchildren, David Anthony Avent, Amelia Swaringen, Alexander Swaringen, Grace Avent, Samuel Avent, Nicholas Avent, Kyleigh Avent, and Brooklyn Avent.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Elbert and Thelma Avent; and his sister, Kathryn Hamilton.
The family will receive friends just prior to the service at 11 a.m. at the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Calvary Baptist Church of New Bern, NC or St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.
Arrangements are by Cotten Funeral Home & Crematory.
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