South Pittsburg Sailor Killed; Family Remembers His Life

A 21 year old sailor is killed while serving on a Navy submarine.  His parents say they don't the details about his death, but they do know their son was taken too soon.

Will Mack was stationed in Washington state and had been deployed to sea about a month ago.  But Monday morning, he was killed onboard the nuclear submarine.  Now his family and his community are honoring the life he gave.

Will's mom Susan says, "We adopted Will and he'll always be the joy of our life."  Will Mack grew up with a big and loving personality.  His parents say he was always an actor, a climber, and a sharp kid.   In December of 2008 he joined the Navy, following in his relatives footsteps.  Susan says, "He took his test and tested so high that they asked him to be in the submarine school, so that's what he did it didn't turn out to be so safe, but that's what he did."

It was Monday morning, while Mack was aboard the USS Nebraska, that he was killed.  His parents Susan and Jerry still don't know how died or exactly where.  They got the news Monday night.  Susan says, "The 2 officers at the door, I didn't see their faces, just their uniforms and I knew."

Mack was on his second deployment with the nuclear submarine, and was due back in June.  His mom says, "He had a big heart and a big soul."  His dad adds, "He would do anything for you."

Now, his parents cling to their proud memories of their son, and their South Pittsburg community.  Susan says, "Because there has been such an outpouring of love and support, these people have been so wonderful."

And even though the Mack's weren't ready or prepared for what's happened to their son, they say after he was sworn in, he was ready to sacrifice himself for the service of his country.  "He said Momma, now I'm a patriot, now I can die for South Pittsburg, the people in it, I can die for you and daddy, he said I can truly do that for you now, but I didn't know he really would."

We did talk with a Navy representative who says they cannot give out any information on Mack's death.  He says the incident is still under investigation.

Friday evening at 7 Will is being honored at the Cornbread Festival.  The event is being dedicated to him.  The town's mayor as well as several Navy representatives will be there for the ceremony.