Obituary of Leon D. McLaughlin

Dr. Leon Durward McLaughlin, Sr., born June 20, 1919, passed away at his home on December 30, 2010. He is survived by his wife of 68 years, Carolyn Mills McLaughlin. Funeral services will be graveside at 2:00 P. M. Friday, December 31, 2010, in Woodlawn Memory Gardens with Reverend John D. Reese, III and Reverend Randall Yelverton officiating. Interment will follow with Holman Funeral Home of Ozark directing. "Dr. Mac" was born in Blue Springs, Alabama, the third child of Dr. and Mrs. James D. McLaughlin. He graduated from the University of Alabama in 1941 and entered the United States Army, where he served throughout World War II in the South Pacific arena until 1945. He obtained his Medical Degree in 1950 from the University of Alabama School of Medicine, and began his family practice in Ozark in 1951, and continued until his retirement in 1987. He was a member of the Ozark Presbyterian Church. He helped oversee the growth and development of the medical community in Ozark, and was instrumental in furthering the steady increase in size of Dale County Hospital. He loved the city and surrounding community, and gave generously of himself in many endeavors over the years. He was on the board of the Commercial Bank of Ozark from its founding, and belonged to several service clubs in the city. "Dr. Mac" and Carolyn had three children, Dr. L. D. " Tony" McLaughlin, Jr. and his wife Carolyn T. McLaughlin, the late Mrs. Joanie M. Corbitt and her husband, the late Jack Corbitt, and Dr. Ray H. McLaughlin and his wife Janie D. McLaughlin. He is also survived by six grandchildren, David S. McLaughlin and his wife Cherry, Maghen Corbitt Lowery and her husband Justin, Stephanie M. Sturdy and her husband Robert, Holly Corbitt Palmer and her husband Mike, Dr. Rane McLaughlin, Sarah McLaughlin, and daughter-in-law, Trita Corbitt. Three brothers and sisters-in-law, Dr. Robert J. and Judy McLaughlin, Dr. Max V. and Nikki McLaughlin, and Dr. Wayne L. and Joanne McLaughlin. He also had three great-grandchildren. "Dr. Mac" touched many lives during his life and years of practice. He will be remembered with great love and fondness by most of the city of Ozark. How many babies did he deliver, and how many people were healed by his expert care? He followed the ways of the Lord his entire life, and will be joining Him in Heaven for eternity. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be donated to Community Hospice of Dale Medical Center, 126 Hospital Avenue, Ozark, Alabama 36360; or to the charity of your choice. Service Information