Michael Anthony McBride

Michael "Mac" Anthony McBride, 54, went home to Heaven on Thursday, July 8, 2010 following a brief illness. He was surrounded by his loving family and special friends. He was preceded in death by his father, Ralph L. McBride. Mac spent most of his life devoted to the fire service. He started his firefighting career in New Bern, NC as a volunteer. He joined the City of Rocky Mount Fire Department on December 9, 1981 as a Firefighter/EMT and was quickly promoted to the level of Fire Engineer. Mac retired from the Fire Department on January 1, 2004. He was then rehired in a part-time capacity to serve as the City of Rocky Mount E-911 Emergency Coordinator. He will be greatly remembered for the many accomplishments that he was responsible for implementing to improve the City's Emergency Response and Notification Systems. Over the years he developed many close relationships with his fellow firefighters. He also served First Baptist Church as Media Director. He will be greatly missed by his extended family. Michael was a loving and devoted husband and father who loved the Lord. Michael leaves to cherish his memory, his loving wife, Deborah Wall McBride; mother, Shirley C. McBride of Winston Salem; four daughters, Kimberley Macklin of Holly Springs, Sara Kowalewski of Durham, Kristeena M. Beasley and Bobbi-Jo McBride of Rocky Mount; three grandsons, Ryan A. Macklin, A.J. Beasley and Alex Beasley; and sister, Robin M. McBride of Winston Salem. The family will receive friends and relatives from 7:00-8:30p.m. Saturday, July 10, 2010 at Wheeler and Woodlief Funeral Home. A service to remember Michael's life will be held at 2:00p.m. Sunday, July 11, 2010 at First Baptist Church with Rev. Bill Grisham and Rev. Chris Woodard officiating. Burial will follow at Rocky Mount Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the Rocky Mount Fire Department Benevolent Fund, 101 S. George Street, Rocky Mount, NC 27801 or the Jimmy V Foundation, 106 Towerview Court, Cary NC 27513-3595. The family wishes to express their sincere gratitude for the outpouring of love and support during Michael's illness. The prayers, visits, cards and words of encouragement were greatly appreciated. Arrangements entrusted to Wheeler and Woodlief Funeral Home, 1130 N. Winstead Ave., Rocky Mount, NC. You may share your memories and condolences with the family by visiting www.wheelerwoodlief.com. Visitation Wheeler & Woodlief Funeral Home & Cremation Services 1130 N. Winstead Ave. Rocky Mount, NC 27804 ID ) ); ?>"> --> 252-451-8800 --> | Saturday 7/10, 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm Service First Baptist Church (Rocky Mount) 200 S. Church Street Rocky Mount, NC 27804 ID ) ); ?>"> --> 252-446-9113 --> | Sunday 7/11, 2:00 pm Cemetery Rocky Mount Memorial Park 4454 Dortches Blvd., Hwy 43 Rocky Mount, NC 27804