05-06-1951 to 08-18-2025
Pastor Paul Ray Mack, Sr. was born on May 6, 1951, in Rockwall, Texas, to the late
Grimmie and Louella Mack. He was lovingly raised by his mother, Louella, and his grandmother, Beatrice “Big Mama” Deckard, who played a special role in his upbringing
and faith foundation. Surrounded by love, faith, and family, Paul learned early the values
of hard work, compassion, and service.
He attended school in the Rockwall Independent School District before moving with his
family to Terrell, Texas in 1965. There, he attended Burnett High School, but due to
segregation, he graduated from Terrell High School in 1969. It was during these years
that he met the love of his life, Carolyn Louise McDonald. On May 16, 1969, the night of
their senior prom, Paul and Carolyn were united in marriage. What started as young
love grew into over five decades of partnership, faith, and family.
Paul’s life was rooted in ministry. He accepted Christ at an early age and remained
faithful to that commitment throughout his life. On March 21, 1971, he was ordained as
a Deacon at Highland Baptist Church in Terrell, Texas, under the leadership of Rev.
James Richardson, Sr. In 1978, he began preaching at Kaiser Street Baptist Church in
Garland, Texas, under the leadership of Rev. L.W. Wilson. He was later ordained into
the ministry on September 21, 1980, and faithfully preached God’s Word with boldness,
compassion, and humility.
Over the years, he pastored at Shiloh Baptist Church in Longview, Texas; Zion Travelers
Baptist Church in Clarksville, Texas; and Mt. Olive Baptist Church in Greenville, Texas.
His greatest assignment came at Mt. Calvary Baptist Church in Farmersville, Texas,
where he poured into his church family for 34 years.
While pastoring, Paul continued his education and studied Theology at both Criswell
College and Bishop College, located in Dallas, Texas. His studies deepened his
understanding of the Word and strengthened his preparation for a lifetime of ministry.
Through his service at Zion Travelers Baptist Church, he was an active member of the
Zion District Congress, where he worked diligently in fellowship and leadership. Later,
during his years at Mt. Calvary Baptist Church, he served as Treasurer for the
Friendship District, a position he faithfully held until his health declined. Even after
retiring from Mt. Calvary due to health challenges, the church honored him as Emeritus
Pastor, a title that reflected his lifelong service and love for God’s people.
Family was Paul’s pride and joy. He and Carolyn were blessed with four children: Paul
Jr. (Shawnna), Shonnie (Earnest), Eric, and the late Shalonda Mack. He adored his 11
grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren, always encouraging them, praying for them,
and reminding them to “trust God and keep going.” His love for his family was unmatched — he was a provider, protector, and teacher whose presence will never be forgotten.
He leaves to cherish his memory his siblings: Margaret Annette Burton, Vaungrechel
Mack of Kansas City, Missouri, Calvin (Michelle) Mack of Minnesota, Remonia Mack,
and Craig (Debbie) Mack of Kansas City, Missouri, and a host of aunts, uncles, nieces,
nephews, cousins, friends, extended family, and his close friend, Bobby Guillory.
He was preceded in death by his father Grimmie Mack, his mother Louella Mack, his
grandmother Beatrice “Big Mama” Deckard, his daughter Shalonda Mack, his
granddaughter Tammeshia Mack, and his brothers Samuel Burkley, John A. Mack, Garry
Mack, Larse Mack, Cedric Mack, and Lewis Clemons.
Pastor Paul Ray Mack, Sr. was more than titles and roles — he was a husband, father,
Papa, brother, uncle, friend, and most of all, a true man of God. He will be remembered
for his laughter, his wisdom, his love for preaching, and the way he lived out his faith
every day. Though he will be deeply missed, his life and legacy will live on in the hearts
of his family and all who were blessed to know him.
He often reminded us with his favorite words:
“Lord, help.”
And when he lifted his voice in song, one of his favorites was:
“That’s All Right (Long As I Know I’ve Got a Seat in the Kingdom).”
These words and this song carry his spirit forward, a testimony of the faith he lived by
and the promise of eternal life he now enjoys.
Services:
Public Viewing: Thursday, August 28, from 5-7pm
Mt. Calvary BC – 508 S. Hamilton St. – Farmersville, Tx 75442
Public Viewing: Friday, August 29, from 5-7
DuBose Funeral Home – 703 S. Rockwall Ave. – Terrell, Tx 75160
Funeral Service: Saturday, August 30, @ 12:00 Noon
Bethlehem Baptist Church – 500 S. Frances St. – Terrell, Tx 75160
Burial: New Oakwood Cemetery – Terrell,Tx
