James Leslie McConathy Sr.

Funeral services celebrating the life of Mr. James Leslie (Mac) McConathy, Sr. of Rayville, LA will be held at 11:00 AM Friday July 17, 2015 at the First Baptist Church in Rayville, LA with Dr. Eddie Wren officiating. Interment with Military Honors will be at Mulhearn Memorial Park Cemetery, under the direction of Mulhearn Funeral Home in Rayville, LAMac was born December 19, 1927 in Gibsland, Louisiana to Mattie Marie Cole McConathy and Oliver Leslie McConathy and passed July 14, 2015 at his residence surrounded by his family. Upon graduation from Bryceland High School he attended Northwestern State University on an athletic scholarship. He excelled in academics and sports, earning All-Conference accolades in basketball and track. He was chosen as a member of the Demon Basketball All-Century Team and later inducted, along with his two brothers, into the NSU Athletic Hall of Fame. After earning his bachelor’s degree at NSU, he obtained his master’s degree in education and administration from the University of Arkansas. During the Korean Conflict, Mac served with the United States Air Force, retiring as a Major in the USAF Reserve.Mac began his career in education in Tensas Parish; serving as teacher, coach, principal and Superintendent of Schools. He served as Superintendent of Schools for Richland Parish during the court ordered desegregation of public schools. He championed fairness, equality and most of all, excellence in leadership.Following his retirement from education, he began a successful career as a financial advisor with New York Life Insurance Company. Serving his many clients, friends, and professional organizations, he consistently received industry recognition. He was a lifetime Member of the Million Dollar Round Table in recognition of his level of production and his quality of business. Following his twenty year tenure at NYLIC, Mac and Mary took on yet another adventure at West Lane Farms, in Richland Parish. There Mac became a reputable cattleman.Mac was unfailing in caring for others and his love of Christ. He is remembered for his active involvement as a deacon and Sunday School teacher, in Gideons International, and a volunteer with Care and Share Ministries. Apart from his faith, nothing was more precious to him than his family. He will be remembered for being wise, thoughtful and generous with his time.He is preceded by his parents. He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Mary Lane McConathy; daughter, Melissa McConathy Smith (Mike); sons, James L. McConathy, Jr. (Tammy) and Thomas L. McConathy (Jill); brothers, John R. McConathy (Corene) and George O. McConathy (Terry); brother-in-law, Alvin Lane; trusted friend, Joe Watkins; grandchildren, Bradford Smith (Amie), Stewart Smith (Bay), Daniel Smith (Shelby), Adam McConathy (Theresa), Caroline McConathy Schneider (Davis), Chandler Leija, Roman McConathy, Maddox McConathy, , Britton McConathy, Tyler McConathy, Jacob May, Luke McConathy, and; great grandchildren, Allen Smith, Hannah Smith, Linton Smith, Lane Smith, Cole McConathy, Carson McConathy, Colin McConathy, Addison McConathy, and Asa McConathy and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.Grandsons will serve as Pallbearers.Visitation will be from 4:00 P.M. until 8:00 P.M. Thursday July 16, 2015 in the fellowship hall at the First Baptist Church in Rayville.Memorials may be made to his favorite organizations listed above.