Luther William Mack Jr., 84, Reno, NV died March 2, 2024.

Luther was born in Sunflower, Mississippi on May 7, 1939 to Frances and Luther Mack Sr. Shortly after his birth, the family moved from Sunflower, Mississippi to Hawthorne, NV, where he, his parents, and older sister would live for their childhood years.

Shortly after moving to Reno, the family welcomed a younger brother. Luther graduated Reno High School and joined the Marines to serve his country. In addition to serving his country, that passion continued in serving his community, where he would go on to develop young entrepreneurs. After serving in the Marine Corps, Luther moved back to Reno, started Mack’s Janitorial Service, and worked at the then popular Gray Reid’s Department store.

Luther Mack Jr. had bigger and better aspirations. Luther became a statewide labor relations specialist appointed by the late Governor and close friend Paul Laxalt. Luther advanced to working for the Small Business Administration out of San Francisco, CA. From there, he was introduced to McDonald’s as they were recruiting minorities to become future owner operators. Luther’s dream came to fruition when he became a McDonald’s Owner Operator in 1978, where he would go on to own 11 McDonald’s, they didn’t call him Big Mack for nothing. As fate would have it, his first McDonald’s restaurant brought him home to Northern Nevada, where his adventure truly begins. Through McDonald’s he received multiple rewards of recognition. His grand openings became infamous for bringing top tier celebrities and athletes such as: Dionne Warwick, Sammy Davis Jr., Otis Sistrunk, Gene Upshaw, Art Shell, and longtime friend Dr. William H. Cosby, to name a few.

As an owner/operator, he fed our Fire Department on countless emergencies and would deliver hamburgers on location to sheriffs and police officers alike. In addition, he became one of the first black auxiliary police officers to proudly serve in Northern Nevada. He received an Honorary Doctorate from the University of Nevada Reno in 1998 for his active involvement in the community and his contributions to the university. Luther also hosted Dr. William H. Cosby as a fundraiser for the university, which exceeded all financial expectations, breaking all records at that time.

As a great man of faith, he continued to serve his community in a number of ways including: serving as a board member for the Reno-Tahoe Airport Authority, the Nevada State Athletic Commission for 14 years, Boyd Gaming, President of the UNR Foundation, Wells Fargo Board, and Pioneer Citizen Board. Luther was inducted into the Nevada Boxing Hall of Fame in 2014 and awarded a lifetime achievement honor from the NAACP. Luther was also awarded Humanitarian of the year and served his community on many diverse boards and organizations. Undoubtedly Luther will be deeply missed by all.

Luther is Survived by: Sister Bertha Mack Mullins; daughters Marikay Finnie, and husband Malcom, Janelle Mack Conine and husband Cory. Grandchildren: Nicholas Derry and his wife Jackie, Nyah Finnie, Rahni Baughman, Jeremiah Costello, Zion Costello, Kiah Conine, and Avery Conine. Great Grandchildren: Willie Baughman, Skye Derry, Jaycee Derry.

Nephew Nathan Mullins and wife Bonita, Nieces Carmellia Watson and husband Joseph, and Roberta Mullins. Great Nephews and Nieces: Jonathan Watson, Isaiah Mullins, Carissa Watson Anderson and husband Willis, Marchelle Mullins Bolds and husband Kevin. Great-Great Nephews and Nieces: Jonathan Watson Jr., Rome Watson, Harmonee Watson, Briella Bolds, and Carrina Anderson.

Preceded in death by: Parents Luther Mack Sr. and Frances Mack, Daughter Shannon Mack Costello, Brother Ernest Mack, and Great Nephew Joseph Watson Jr.

In lieu of flowers or gifts please send a donation in Luther’s name to the University of Nevada Reno Athletics Department.

A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, March 16th at 10am at Summit Church, 7075 Pyramid Way, Sparks 89436.