Howard McClellan "Mac" Thomson

Howard McClellan Thomson shuffled off this mortal coil on April 16, 2025. Born on April 8, 1953, in Jackson, Tennessee, to Joanna McClellan Thomson and Wade Donelson Thomson, he was always known as “Mac.” Mac’s beloved mother once wrote the following about him, and we can’t find better words to describe his personality:

"Mac, our second child and boy, was born in the beautiful springtime. He was a beautiful ray of sunshine then, and he is still a scintillating and glittering personality. He is our dreamer and free spirit. From the first, Mac was mischievous, roguish, mirthful, reflective, and all other good things. He is remarkably well-read, knowledgeable, and talented in many areas. Wade has always said Mac is why two of our successful businesses began."

Mac was a construction executive with Construction Products, Inc. and Thomson and Thomson, where he worked in the family business from the age of 16 to retirement. He was educated in Jackson schools then studied at the State Technical Institute in Memphis. Mac held both a Contractors’ License and a Master Electrician’s license, was a member of the Tennessee Road Builders Association, and was appointed by Governor Lamar Alexander to the State Board of Licensing Contractors.

Mac’s talents and interests led him through a life rich with curiosity, creativity, and craftsmanship. He explored beekeeping, woodworking, farming, writing, keeping sheep, goats, cows, and donkeys, welding, captaincy, international travel, and many other interests that led him into fascinating hobbies and inquiries. An intellectual and historian, he favored books over television and had a lifelong passion for Civil War history, particularly as it related to West Tennessee and Shiloh National Military Park. He was also a member of the Sons of the American Revolution. He had a deep love for the Tennessee River where he was a member of the Coast Guard Auxiliary in Paris, Tennessee. He had a Tow Boat Captain’s license and a dream to be on the river in a tow boat in retirement. He found solace in music that ranged from Mozart to Santana. (He frequently played The Doors’ The End on 11 to wake up his heathen children before school.) He loved to laugh, and he could confirm that coconuts do indeed migrate, given the right air-speed velocity and an unladen swallow. An anti-authoritarian from an early age, Mac never followed the crowd and was fiercely self-possessed.

Mac was a gifted writer, known for his quick wit, sharp mind, and elegantly savage turns of phrase. If you were on the receiving end of one of his letters or, later, emails, you were either humbled or laughing out loud, or both. A contributing columnist for The Jackson Sun, Mac had many loyal readers who followed his diverse columns. They ranged from educating readers on his hometown: from how Jackson was a railroad town (written from his refurbished ICG caboose turned office) to how cotton was in Jackson’s history to remembering the Civil Rights protests of 1968. One could trust to find his take on the politics of the day and things readers should not forget to be astute and meaningful – like remembering the military at Christmas. He was a member of the National Press Club.

Mac is survived by his high school sweetheart and wife of 52 years, Sherry, whom he loved with all his heart. His children, Blair and Branch, were so lucky to have him for a father. He challenged them in all aspects of their lives and taught them well. He was so proud of them both. In addition, he leaves behind his brothers, Wade Donelson Thomson Jr. (Kay), Matt Neill Thomson (Christie), twin sisters Betsy Thomson Weaver (Frank) and Jo Thomson Duke, many cousins, and beloved nieces and nephews who, as children, loved him as Gargamel and, later, as the supportive, wise, and no-nonsense uncle.

A private service will be held at Hollywood Cemetery with Arrington Funeral Home managing arrangements. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be sent to First Presbyterian Church (1573 N. Highland Ave., Jackson, TN 38301) where Mac served as a Deacon, or to Donate Life America (by registering as an organ donor or with a memorial), in honor of the anonymous donor whose gift of life gave Mac 13 more years that he filled with humor, brilliance, and love.