SFC "Retired" Herman McLean Jr, 78, of Sanford, North Carolina entered into eternal rest on Saturday, December 27, 2025, at FirstHealth Moore Regional Hospital in Pinehurst, North Carolina.

SFC (Ret.) Herman Mack McLean Jr. was born on July 19, 1947, to Amelia McDonald and Herman McLean Sr. in Sanford, NC. He went home to his Lord and Savior on December 27, 2025, at  First Health Regional Hospital.

After graduating from W.B. Wicker in 1965, he later joined the U.S. Army in 1968. Mack served his country during the Vietnam War. He was honorably discharged after being wounded in that war.  He was awarded the Purple Heart Medal for his bravery. After being discharged, he began a career with Coty/Pfizer, where he worked for 24 plus years until his retirement in 1999. While  employed with Coty, he met, courted, and on January 2, 1987, he married his wife, Betty Fe’ Smith, of 38 years. From this union, they had two daughters. Fe’cia L. McLean and Shernita Jackson.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Amelia and Herman Mclean Sr., two sisters, Arelia White and Jacci McDonald, three nieces, Veronica “Bird” Drakeford, Lakiesha Drakeford, and Niki Allen, and one nephew, Wayne White.

Mack enjoyed bowling, shooting pool at John Roberson’s Pool Hall, and playing cards, Poker and Bid Whist, to name a few. Mack would get together with his fellow Veterans at the Burch Center  on occasions, where he would shoot the breeze with Richard. Mack joined St. James AME Church under the leadership of Reverend S. Revell as the Pastor. He became a member of the Lay  organization, helping out when and where he could be of service.

Those left to cherish fond memories of Mack are, a dedicated and devoted wife of thirty-eight years, Betty Fe’; two daughters, Fe’Cia L. McLean of the home and Shernita Jackson of Sanford; one granddaughter, Summer J. Jackson, of Sanford; one sister, Diane Drakeford “Deedra” of Sanford; his mother-in-law, Ella Smith; two brothers-in-law, Gary Smith (Annette) and Randy Gill; his  special cousin, Gregory McDonald (Celeste) of Brooklyn New York; a special niece, Yolanda “Landi” McDonald; Britney, Rod, Shelby of the Bronx, New York, Onita (Kenya, Jasmine) Regina  (Ishyna, Arelia) Charles, Richard (Dee, Jaleesa, Richard Jr., Cord) Sabrina, Chell “$5 Kid” Gillard (Rashida) Kai, Khamiya, and Kevin Smith, Veronica and Khaniya Allen; long-time friends, Ronnie  and Connie Allen, Frank and Brenda Johnson, Johnny Roberson Jr., Buster Petty, Black, and Richard Johnson; and a host of great nieces, great nephews, family, and friends.

Please keep the family and friends of Mr. Herman McLean Jr in your thoughts and prayers. 

Arrangements are entrusted to McLeod Funeral Home of Sanford, North Carolina.