Thomas "Dale" McLaughlin's Obituary
Thomas Dale McLaughlin passed away peacefully on August 20th, 2024, which was also his 87th birthday. His family were blessed to all be with him in his last moments. Dale was a beloved father and grandfather, a devoted and hardworking family man.
Dale is survived by his wife Lucy (Lucille Beam McLaughlin) of 65 years, daughters Crystal Abernathy and Beverly McLaughlin (and partner Weldon Weaver), and grandchildren Gavin Guiney, Eve Guiney (John Saavedra), Evan Guiney, and Sean Abernathy. Dale would joke to people who asked how long they've been married "just 65 years, I think it's going to work out."
Dale worked at the Southern Bell Telephone Company (later known as BellSouth & AT & T) as a dock manager for over 30 years, and took early retirement at the age of 49.
Dale still loved going to work at The Mecklenburg County Market as often as he could, talking with his longtime customers about tomatoes and cantaloupes and the weather. He never met a stranger, and was well known and loved in the community. The market was founded by his maternal grandmother Pearl Wallace, continued by his parents Rebecca Wallace McLaughlin and Smiley Jay McLaughlin, and remains a family business to this day.
Dale loved cars and had restored his dad Smiley's 1969 Chevy Truck with "3 on the tree." He enjoyed going to the Kannapolis drag races with his father-in-law Luther Beam in the 1960's and early 1970s. He took pride in his cars and in earlier years would spend hours on a Saturday washing and waxing them.
Dale was a U.S. Army veteran, serving during the Cuban Missile Crisis of 1966. He was also the oldest member of the Derita Lions Club, who raised funds for their chosen charity Camp Dogwood for the Blind & Visually Impaired by selling brooms, pecans & peanuts, and citrus fruit boxes direct from Florida.
Dale was a devout Christian and lifetime member of the Mallard Creek Presbyterian Church, where he served as a deacon and an elder for many years, including serving as Clerk of Session. He and his wife Lucy were active participants in the church's square dancing club in the 1970s. Dale and Lucy were also a big part of the Mallard Creek BBQ where they volunteered for many years. Dale grew up watching his mother Rebecca McLaughlin (known as Becky or Miss Beck) make the Brunswick stew from scratch in huge cast iron cauldrons over an open fire, stirred with canoe paddles. Dale worked the ticket booth, while Lucy worked the sandwich counter. They also met for the first time at the Mallard Creek BBQ.
Dale loved woodworking and he hand-made furniture and other items which will be continue to be treasured by his family. He loved spending time with family at their mountain house in Blowing Rock.
Dale was a loyal provider and protector from another era. His strength, devotion to family, work ethic, generosity, and kindness will live on in his children and grandchildren. He will be sorely missed, but he leaves behind a wonderful legacy.
A funeral service will be held at 3 PM at Mallard Creek Presbyterian Church on Wednesday, September 4 with burial following in the church cemetery and visitation in the church one hour prior to the funeral. James Funeral Home of Huntersville is serving the family.
What’s your fondest memory of Thomas?
What’s a lesson you learned from Thomas?
Share a story where Thomas' kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Thomas you’ll never forget.
How did Thomas make you smile?