Longtime Republican lawmaker Rep. Mac Huddleston has passed away at the age of 79.
Huddleston, who had represented Pontotoc since 2008, had been battling multiple myeloma. The news of his passing was announced in the obituary section of The Daily Journal on Sunday.
During his 15 years in the Mississippi legislature, Huddleston served on a variety of committees. From 2019-2023, he served as leader of the House Ethics Committee and the House Universities and Colleges Committee. Before that, he was vice-chairman of the House Appropriations Committee.
Multiple lawmakers, along with Gov. Tate Reeves, went to social media to mourn the passing of Huddleston.
Dr. Mac was one of the good guys. I met him in 2007 during his successful campaign for the MS House. I don’t remember a visit since then to Pontotoc county – and there have been many – when Dr. Mac wasn’t there with me.
A Vet AND a Veteran, Dr. Mac managed the representation of… pic.twitter.com/ydRGTke8mS
— Governor Tate Reeves (@tatereeves) August 28, 2023
Mac Huddleston was exemplary in every aspect—as a decorated war hero, trusted legislator, veterinarian, and family man. Scrupulously honest and straightforward, @emachuddleston was my friend and he will be missed. Lynn and I are in prayer for his family: https://t.co/MLGGWCUjJz
— Delbert Hosemann (@DelbertHosemann) August 28, 2023
MS lost a great one today. Rep. Mac Huddleston served his country as an army aviator in Vietnam &, most recently, his state in the @MSHouseOfRep. I’m honored to have served w/ him. Always the gentleman, Mac had a kind work for everyone. We’ll miss you, Doc. Until we meet again… pic.twitter.com/JKVeERjoN2
— Missy McGee (@MissyWMcGee) August 27, 2023
Rest in Peace Dr. Mac Huddleston ( center) ..you left enduring memories on everyone who knew you.. pic.twitter.com/d3g3dd1bBe
— C. Scott Bounds (@cs_bounds) August 28, 2023
Prior to getting into politics, Huddleston worked as a veterinarian in north Mississippi. Commonly known as “Dr. Mac,” the Mississippi State and Auburn alumnus worked many years as a large animal veterinarian and was executive secretary of the Mississippi Veterinary Medical Association and the Mississippi Board of Veterinary Medicine.
The decorated Vietnam War veteran then made a career change and became a deputy with the Pontotoc County Sheriff’s Office, where he worked until being elected to the House in 2008.
Huddleston’s funeral will be held on Tuesday at his home church of West Heights Baptist Church in Pontotoc.
