Mack Sterling, born in Abilene, Texas on March 19, 1935, joined friends and family in God's heaven on February 16, 2014. He was preceded in death by his father Jessie, (born in 1880) and mother, Linda; siblings Sybil, Annie Pearl, Betty, Doris, Linda, Robert, and Roy. He is survived by his wife, Genny, and his children: Frank, Ginger, Jim, Jimmie Kathleen, Kim, and Matt, and grandchildren. Mack grew up in west Texas under skies filled with airplanes from Dyess AFB, home of the 7th Bomb Wing. He was a graduate of Abilene High School and served his country for 12 years in the Navy. From 1964-1985, he was an aviator flying for the movie industry in films such as The Right Stuff, The Final Countdown, The Gingerbread Man, Tora! Tora! Tora! (original version) and the television series Baa, Baa Blacksheep. He also flew charters, performed in many air shows, competed in the Reno Air Races, and landed dozens of times in shopping center parking lots around Texas to deliver Santa Claus. His ratings included all propeller-driven aircraft - everything from a Stinson to a B-29, and he considered this part of his life as an aviator "a full and exciting life." As an Environmental Consultant from 1985 on, Mack trained Emergency Responders with his son, Frank, and made sure companies conducting oil-related business along the coast maintained compliance with OSHA, the TGLO, USCG, and other regulatory agencies. He considered himself a friend and an advocate of the businessmen in the Port of Brownsville, the Port Isabel-San Benito Navigation District, and Port of Harlingen. On February 7, 2014, Mack was honored with a Proclamation from Texas General Land Office Commissioner Jerry Patterson commending him for his years of commitment to the environment of the Texas Gulf Coast. His response was simply, "Wow!" His pleasure in later years came from the love and camaraderie he shared with the Senior Mens' Bible Study class at First Baptist Church in Brownsville. He requested that these men, bonded for life, be his honorary pall bearers: Roy Reed, Al Richardson, Craig Ticer, Charles Durham, Fred Kennedy, Gabriel Flores, Armando Arista, Hal Batthrop, Jim Alford, and Daniel Delgado, Peter Burkemper, and Tom Ashburn. Mack belonged to the following organizations: Masonic Lodge #1132; Gideons International; VFW; Commemorative Air Force - past Executive Director, member of the General Staff, Life Member, and Sponsor; Combat Pilot's Association Life Member; Past Vice President Aerial Advertising of Alexandria VA.; and the Screen Actors Guild in California. Some of his last words were, "I know where I will spend eternity. See you later! God is now checking my 'six'…." In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to: advoCAT at following website http://www.tnrranchoviejo.com/donations.html Memorial services will be held on Saturday, March 8, 2014 at 10:45 am on the parade grounds of the Iwo Jima Monument, 320 Iwo Jima Boulevard, across from the Marine Military Academy at Harlingen International Airport with Military honors to be conducted by the VFW Post 2410 of Harlingen. You may sign the online guestbook and send words of comfort or sympathy cards to the family of Mack Sterling at: www.thomaegarza.com. Funeral arrangements entrusted to the care of Thomae-Garza Funeral Directors, 395 S. Sam Houston, San Benito, Texas, (956) 399-1331.