Jeffery Frazier Mack Sr. was born Oct. 30, 1953, and made his transition on May 8, 2022, after battling battle with pancreatic cancer. He was 68.
As a young man, Jeffery Mack Sr. loved playing chess, reading comic books, hanging out with his friends and sports. A two-sport athlete excelling in both football and basketball at Farragut High School, Mr. Mack was awarded the illustrious title of All-American. He was the star running back and point guard for the powerhouse Chicago Farragut Admirals, who competed for the Illinois State Title every year. As Mr. Mack was building his on-field prowess, he caught the eye of the love of his life, Kirbie Lyn Green, then cheerleader for the “rival” Austin Tigers. They met on his birthday and quickly figured out their futures were destined to become one and never looked back.
During his senior year in high school, he intensified his focus on football, and later went on to excel at the highest level, earning the prestigious Knute Rockne Trophy for Most Outstanding Football Player in the State of Illinois. With his football talents and strong academic focus, Mr. Mack was offered a full scholarship to many colleges, though selected the University of Wisconsin-Madison in 1971. At UW Madison, his college career was exceptional. He was a Flanker who did everything he could to help the team, ending his career with over 1,800 yards of offense and 13 touchdowns in three years.
Mr. Mack also held the record for average yards per catch up until the early 2000s. But one play has all Badger Fans still cheering and remembering his legacy: he caught the pass of 77 yards to score the winning touchdown against fourth-ranked Nebraska in 1974. To this day, it remains one of the top plays ever in Wisconsin Football history.
The Macks had three children, Maaina, Jeff Jr. and Anisha. Mr. Mack’s focus quickly became raising his children the right way. He was integral to all their academic and athletic successes. He was also a strong community leader and “father figure” to many, as he coached the Southside Raiders, South Madison Spartans and West High Regents. Many, if not all, players coached by “Coach Mack” will attribute their success to the tutelage and leadership he provided.
Mr. Mack is preceded in death by his parents, Raymond L. Mack, Sr. and Johnnie Mae Mack.
He is survived by his loving wife, Kirbie Lyn Mack; his children: Maaina Akiia Mack-Baker (Charles), Jeffery Frazier Mack, Jr. (Tiffany) and Anisha Lyn Blumenberg (Ronald II); grandchildren: Aviel Mack, Kaiya Mack, Ahmad Mack-Mosby, Elaina Mack, Ronald Blumenberg III and Samara Mack; his brothers: Raymond Jr. (Margaret), Allen (Emma) and Andre (Lisa); as well as a host of other amazing cousins and lifelong friends.
