William Thaddeus (Thad) McLaurin was born December 27, 1938, and died December 27, 2023, on his 85th birthday, completing his life in the neat and orderly fashion he preferred. He was a Jackson native and graduate of Murrah High School, the University of Oklahoma, and the School of Banking of the South at Louisiana State University. He served in the United States Air Force as a commissioned officer and as a petroleum engineer with Humble Oil and Refining Company in New Orleans before returning to Jackson as an officer with the First National Bank, now Trustmark.
He was preceded in death by his father and mother, Mr. and Mrs. Max McLaurin and son, Douglass McLaurin. His survivors include his wife, Sandra; sons – Thad McLaurin III (Mary), Thomas McLaurin and Thad Freeman (Cindy); Grandchildren – Grant and Chris Carraway, Thomas and Connor McLaurin, and Jessica Malone (Josh). He leaves behind one great-granddaughter, Kadence Malone, one sister, Nicki M. Green, and two nieces, Adrian Mann (Ryan) and Carson Morton (Joe).
Thad co-founded Doty, McLaurin & Taylor, Inc., a municipal bond underwriting firm. Later he was an officer in Doty, McLaurin & Taylor Management Company, president of The Madison Group, president of Orchard Care and managing partner of The Orchard, Ltd. As the developer and co-founder, Thad was instrumental in creating The Orchard, Mississippi’s premier luxury retirement community, which has since become the standard model for development of retirement communities throughout the United States.
Thad was active in many civic and professional organizations. He had served as commissioner of the Jackson Redevelopment Authority, chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Mississippi Museum of Art and the Hinds County Heart Association. Additionally, he served on the boards of the Jackson Arts Alliance, the National Leased Housing Association, the Jackson YMCA, chairman of the Board of Directors of New Stage Theater and Central MS American Red Cross Chapter. He had also served on the Business Conduct Committee of the National Association of Securities Dealers, National Leased Housing Association, Chambers of Commerce in both Ridgeland and Jackson, The Rotary Club of Jackson, and on the Vestry of St. Andrew’s Episcopal Cathedral. He was a recipient of the Volunteer of the Year Award for Goodwill Industries and the Chamber of Commerce in Ridgeland.
Thad loved his God, his Church, St. Andrew’s Episcopal Cathedral, treasured his family and his many lifelong friendships. He greatly enjoyed fishing at Orange Beach, AL, fast automobiles and traveling. After retiring he received a double doctorate in napping and playing with his great-grandchild, Kadence. He was a most selfless man. He never thought about how things might affect him but only how they would affect others. He was dearly loved and will be missed tremendously by his friends and family.
Visitation will be held on Friday, January 5, 2024, at 10:00 a.m. at St. Andrew’s Episcopal Cathedral in Jackson. The funeral will be at 11:00 a.m. with interment immediately following.
In lieu of flowers a donation may be made to St. Andrew’s Cathedral or a charity of your choice.
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