Espie Mac Lochala

Espie Mac Lochala, 74, entered into the presence of his Heavenly Father on April 15, 2026, at his home in Caledonia, Mississippi.

He was born on September 1st, 1951, in Crossett, Arkansas to Espie Woodrow and Mary McAbee Lochala.

Mac was preceded in death by his parents and a younger brother, Ronnie. He is survived by his best friend and wife of 56 years, Diane Carney Lochala; three sons, Mark (Susan), Brent (Amanda), and Jerry (Tara); five grandchildren, Ethan, Stetson, Delia, Anasy, and Siera; and his sister, Gaye Gullege (Bill), along with many friends and associates from his career and his ministerial work.

Mac was a devoted husband and father who cherished his time with his family. He loved the outdoors, cooking, gardening, and photography. He also loved to travel, and he and Diane shared many adventures across various parts of the United States together.

Mac enjoyed a long and successful career in the paper industry, from which he retired in 2009 as Safety Director for Weyerhaeuser Corporation in Columbus, MS.

Following his retirement from the paper industry, Mac resumed his childhood calling to ministry and served as an evangelist and then also a pastor for Fig Hill Church of God in Hamilton, MS for several years. Mac was well known and respected for his in-depth knowledge and understanding of biblical history and scripture. Even in his last days, Mac was an encouragement to everyone with whom he could share his love and the Word of God.

“Well done, my good and faithful servant.”

A service will be held at First Baptist Church of Columbus, MS, on April 25 at 2 pm. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Jude.