WILMINGTON — Richard Marks Slack, Sr. “Dick”, 75, of Wilmington, passed away Sunday, December 10, 2023 at home.
He was born January 14, 1948 in Wilmington, NC, to the late William Herbert Slack, Sr. and Louise Marks Slack.
Dick was a graduate of North Carolina State University. He worked as an industrial engineer, first at Burlington Industries in NC, Canada, and Arkansas. Later, he served as the Director of Industrial Engineering at Dan River Mills in Danville, VA, for 35 years. For 5 years, he proudly led the engineering department at AC Furniture in Eden, NC, before retirement.
Beyond his passion for all things NC State Wolfpack, Dick was an avid lover of camping, sailing, river canoeing, and coaching youth soccer. He was active member in his local Rotary Club and loved the service opportunities and friendships this great association offered him. Dick was also deeply involved at Ascension Lutheran Church, both as a member and volunteer in the Chrismon ministry and youth activities.
In his later years, Dick loved Gunsmoke, pulled pork sandwiches, ice cream and “hosting at the party house” while dreaming fondly of his days bodysurfing off the coast of the Hanover Seaside Club in Wilmington, NC.
Dick and his wife, Maclyn, raised their three boys in Danville, VA, before the two moved home to their current residence in Wilmington, NC, their first hometown and where they fell in love.
He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Maclyn McKeown Slack of Wilmington, NC, and brother, Bill Slack (Judy) of Leland, NC; three sons, Mark Slack (Pam) of Columbus, OH, Chris Slack (Lindsey) of Atlanta, GA, and Scott Slack of Los Angeles, CA. He is also the forever proud “Pop” of 5 grandsons- Simon, Henry, Samuel, Isaac, and George.
A Memorial Service will be held at 2 p.m. Tuesday, December 19, 2023, at St. Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran Church, 12 N. 6th Street, Wilmington, NC 28401, with Pastor Mark Opgrand officiating. Prior to the service, the family will receive friends at the church from 1 p.m. until the service hour.
In lieu of flowers, contributions in Dick’s memory may be made to one of three special institutions in his life:
