SOUTH PITTSBURG, Tenn. -- The sky hung dark and low Saturday as mourners gathered to pay respects to a U.S. Navy sailor who died two weeks ago under mysterious circumstances.
Seaman William Gerald Mack, 21, died April 19 aboard the USS Nebraska about 250 miles northeast of Oahu, Hawaii, according to Master Chief Robert Butterman. No cause of death has been publicly released, but the passing has brought a lull over Seaman Mack's crew of 154 sailors.
"He was a good sailor, always in good spirits. A good kid," said Master Chief Butterman, who along with another Nebraska crewman traveled to South Pittsburg for the funeral. "His death has a huge impact on the crew. He was well-liked, so everyone is in shock."
A Navy spokeswoman told the Navy Times the cause of death is under investigation, but there was no damage to the ship and there had not been an accident. Seaman Mack was found in the sub's berthing spaces, the Times reported. It was the third death aboard the ship since 2005, according to the Navy Times.
At Holly Avenue United Methodist Church, the Rev. Anthony Grills remembered Seaman Mack as a energetic teen and a young man who was committed to his military career.
"He told his family that he would gladly lay his life down even for the people of South Pittsburg," Mr. Grills said. "When I last saw Will, I was surprised by the straightness of his posture and the firmness of his handshake."
That was the same impression gleaned by Chris Oaks, a substitute teacher at Richard Hardy High School, who saw Seaman Mack just before he left for the Navy.
"He told me he was shipping out tomorrow," Mr. Oaks said. "I told him I was proud of him, and he stuck out his hand and offered a firmer handshake than I had ever had from him in my life."
Friends said as a teen Seaman Mack stood out in South Pittsburg because he loved music and enjoyed acting.
"He was always unique and different, but that's just Will," said 15-year-old William Brown, who was Seaman Mack's neighbor. "He was a lot of fun, always full of energy. Everyone liked him."
The sailor was given a full military funeral and was buried at Booneville Cemetery in Booneville, Tenn., near Lynchburg.
He is survived by his parents, Gerald and Susan Mack; two sisters, Vanessa LaPiglia and Dena Brackett; and grandparents, Bill and Marie Steelman.