Charles Gadd

Charles “Mack” Maxwell Gadd, Jr., 79, was called to heaven’s fairway on March 19, 2025 at his home in Gainesville.

Born on May 1, 1945 in Mattoon, IL, he was an avid lover of sports. Mack played football and basketball in high school but found true love in the game of golf. He attended DePauw University where he found lifelong brothers in the Delta Upsilon fraternity. After graduation, he followed in his father’s footsteps and went on to law school. As fate would have it, he meant to apply to “that other university” (Florida State), and accidentally applied to University of Florida instead. But a true golfer knows you have to play the ball where it lies – Mack was a Gator till the end and some might say, the unofficial mayor of Gainesville. He was as tough as he was fair and was a trusted advisor in legal circles and in life for his broader community of friends and family. He expected the same effort and honesty as he gave, but his expectations never outpaced his love.

Being a grandfather to grandsons Max and Fisher brought Mack great joy, and he loved having his daughter and her family close in Florida. Mack was never short of advice, wisdom and love for his grandsons and their studies and sports. He found great peace at the coast and water in Florida especially Cedar Key and St. Augustine. Mack was never far from his labrador companions and his Sally dog sure will miss him.

Mack was an avid, enthusiastic and prolific reader as witnessed by his immense collection of best sellers and classics. As a golfer he was always willing to purchase a new golf club with the hopes of gaining a shot on the golf course. He will be noticeably absent in the stands of Gator basketball and baseball games and will be deeply missed on the golf course…though his weekly golf group might be a little heavier in the wallet without his short game.

Mack is survived by his daughter, Melinda Livingston (Albert), grandsons, Max and Fisher; sister, Mary “Tee” Tiemann (Bob), and nephew, Chip Tiemann (Melissa).

A Celebration of Life will be held on March 25 at 6 p.m. in the Clubhouse of Mark Bostik Golf Course at the University of Florida. A reception featuring his favorites - hotdogs and candy bars – will follow.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the University of Florida Gator Golf Boosters.