Carlos Kay (“Mac”) McAfee, son of W.L. and Loreen McAfee, was born in his parents’ home in Sapulpa, Oklahoma on October 26, 1933. He was predeceased by his parents and brother, Reverend Richard Leo McAfee. Carlos passed away on July 13, 2020 at the age of 86. After graduating from Classen High School in Oklahoma City, Carlos attended the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland. Upon graduation in 1955, he was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant, U.S. Marine Corps. During his 20 years of service, he served two tours in Vietnam and was highly decorated. He received the Bronze Star and the Navy Cross, which is the second highest award for valor in the USMC, for his extraordinary heroism in battle. Following his retirement from the Marine Corps in 1975, he worked for Hughes Aircraft Company, primarily in Israel and Europe, developing military command and control strategies and programs. He retired from Hughes in 1992. Carlos was a resident of Southern California since 1991. In March of 2016, he was recognized as Patriot of the Year in the annual Laguna Beach Patriots Day Parade. This parade celebrates America’s freedom and recognizes the sacrifices made by the people who fought for the United States in times of war. Despite his outstanding reputation as a strong military officer, Carlos was known by all as a gentle, fun-loving man, with a sense of humor that put everyone around him at ease. He loved all sports and games, with his passions being football, baseball, bridge, and poker. Carlos is survived by his beloved wife of over 40 years, Waltraud Weisse McAfee, and his son Dave. A memorial service will be conducted at a later date, so that we can recognize him with the full military honors that he has earned taps, a 21-gun salute, and a fly over. Once the virus is behind us, and these military traditions resume, we will honor and celebrate Carlos’ incredible life.
(shared with Sapulpa Times from The Orange County Register)
