Robert Mclaurin, Jr.

Robert Sylvester McLaurin, Jr., 93, of Brandon, died peacefully on January 23, 2018 at UMC Hospital. Visitation will be at Brandon First United Methodist Church on Friday, January 26, 2018 from 1:30 pm to 3:00 pm. The Funeral Services will follow at 3:00 pm with Rev. Mitchell Hedgepeth and Rev. Kelly Pope officiating. A private family graveside will follow in the Old Brandon Cemetery. His grandsons and great-nephew will serve as pallbearers.
Sylvester was born November 16, 1924, to the late Robert Sylvester and Mildred McLaurin in Jackson, MS. He attended Brandon Public School where he was active in many sports. He was an Eagle Scout and Valedictorian when he graduated high school in May 1942. He then attended Mississippi State College and graduated from the University of Mississippi in 1949 with a Bachelor of Business Degree. While in college he was a member of Kappa Sigma Fraternity. He was also a member of Kappa Mu Epsilon, and Delta Sigma Pi scholastic honorary clubs.
On February 5, 1949, he married his college sweetheart, Charline Todd McLaurin at Galloway Methodist Church. They were married fifty three years until her death on December 18, 2002.
Sylvester served in the Army during World War II and was in Okinawa and Japan. He was recalled into active duty with the 31st (Dixie) Division in 1951. His total service was more than six years where he earned the rank of Captain.
He was a builder and a developer. Along with his brother, John McLaurin, he developed subdivisions in the Brandon and Pearl areas and McLaurin Mart Shopping Center.
As a member of Brandon First United Methodist Church he served as chairman of the Official Board and chairman of the Finance Committee. He was a past member of the Jackson Homebuilders Association where he served as President. He also was President of the Rankin Chamber of Commerce and Rankin County Kiwanis Club. Sylvester was an avid golfer. He made 4 hole-in-ones in his lifetime.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Charline Todd McLaurin, his parents, and his brother, John C. McLaurin.
Sylvester is survived by his son, Robert Sylvester McLaurin III of Memphis, Tennessee; daughters, Susan McLaurin Henslee of Pearl, and Marilyn McLaurin Wade of Ridgeland; five grandsons, David Douglas Henslee (Mary-Grace) of Olive Branch, Cole Lauchlin Henslee of Gluckstadt, Luther William Wade, III (Lyndsey) of Greenwood, Todd McLaurin Wade (Mary-Morgan) of Oxford, and Justin Davis Wade (Natalie) of Dallas; five great-grandchildren, Luther Wade IV, Harper Wade, Madeline Wade, Mackenzie Wade, and McLaurin Wade; and his nephews, John, Sidney, and Anse McLaurin.
In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Brandon First United Methodist Church, 205 Mary Ann Drive, Brandon, MS 39042.
Online condolences can be made at www.ottandlee.com.