Sobhi Mohamed “Mack” Hamad

ROCKY MOUNT - Sobhi Mohamed "Mack" Hamad, 83, (aka The Watermelon Man, Yaba, Cidi, Uncle Mack, Abu Healal, Mr. Mack) passed away on the morning of June 4, 2020. He was born February 4, 1937; Survived by his devoted wife of 58 years, Patricia Ann Atkins Hamad, who he married January 28, 1962. It was an exemplary partnership of love. In addition, he is survived by his children Healal Hamad, Yasmine Hamad (Husband, Dr. Hood Biggers), Molly T. Hamad, Kunny Brothers (Husband, Mike Brothers), and Yezen Hamad (Wife, Rehab Hamad). He is also survived by his brother Awni "John" Hamad of Morehead City, beloved nieces and nephews, as well as 17 grandchildren and 6 great grandchildren. A true provider for his family, passionate business man, Sobhi approached life with an immense amount of integrity. The sincerity of his character spoke volumes to the impact he made on so many lives. "Mack" always brought with him a determined mindset and an open heart. To know him was to love him, and his personality had the innate ability to make you feel most valued and loved. He did not simply make a person feel special, he helped people see themselves as he saw them. "We are all very special!", Mack would say. A business man, A family man.,A faithful and spiritual man, Hamad accomplished and overcame obstacles and great adversity throughout his life. No matter the circumstances, he viewed hardship as an opportunity to rise to greatness. Born in a town just a few miles from Jerusalem called Al-Bireh, and immigrating into an American life with a bare minimum, he truly set the gold standard for what it means to live life to the fullest extent possible. He had a contagious smile that will be dearly missed. Mack called Rocky Mount NC home for nearly 70 years. He and his family operated a neighborhood store in the Little Raleigh Area of Rocky Mount named Mack's Superette & Fresh Fish Market and operated Mack's Produce Stands throughout Rocky Mount and Wilson NC for over 40 Years. He was known for having the best watermelons in town. He would joke with customers often and claim his watermelons were "Sweet as Momma and Fat as Poppa". It worked, but the Poppas would usually buy 1 and the Mommas would buy 3. Mr. Hamad was a man with a relentless sense of humor, Spreading joy wherever he happened to be, was his love language. Admired by many, his persevering work ethic made him the definition of living a life worth leaving behind. He chose passion and a giving heart, over everything else. His generosity never failed and his spirit will live on through all the hearts he touched here on Earth. To say Sobhi "Mack" Hamad was neighborly would be an incredible understatement. He never missed an opportunity to be friendly and speak to anyone who crossed his path. The quality of his good will toward others was unmatched. Hamad possessed a true passion for getting his hands dirty and being outside with nature. It gave him a sense of peace and accomplishment. His way of life made all of us feel an immeasurable amount of pride as well as a responsibility to emulate that same behavior. He was a man that was as charming as he was honest and inherently passed down these same values to his family. We have already begun to experience an overwhelming amount of joyous and cherished memories from family and friends near and far. Sobhi M. Hamad was honored within 24 hours in a ceremony at the Islamic Center and then laid to rest during a private family burial under Islamic Rights at Pineview Cemetery in Rocky Mount, N.C. Doing the most with what has been provided for you- that's the exact manner in which Mack carried himself. His unequivocal conviction and loving energy set a prime example for us all to embody and live a little more like Mack. An extraordinary man whose spirit and soul will truly be remembered and carried in our hearts forever, will be missed. For those of you who knew Mack, we are sorry for your loss. For those of you who did not know Mack, we are truly sorry that you missed out. But we hope the above offers a glimpse of this kind man. In honor of ALL Fathers, Sons, Daughters and the great lessons our Fathers teach us, we are giving away FREE watermelons Saturday. 2:30-4:30 Saturday June 20th (the day before Fathers Day) Location: The Original Macks Produce Stand Corner of East Raleigh Blvd and Mercer St. 546 N Mercer St, Rocky Mount, NC 27801 https://maps.app.goo.gl/dwG385aURtTzKG1P6 Please feel free to pass this information along to anyone who would like to drive by to offer the family their condolences, share a fond memory of Mack, the Watermelon Man, with the family, or just anyone who would like a FREE Watermelon to share with their Dad or in memory of Dad on Fathers Day. The Mack Hamad Family (May we all strive to be Watermelon Men) Cemetery Pineview Cemetery 761 N. Raleigh Road Rocky Mount, NC 27801