Thomas "T-Mac" Nelson MacAlpine, 72, passed away peacefully at home shortly after midnight on September 12, 2015. He was surrounded by his loving family.

He was born in Bad Axe on September 4, 1943 to the late Alden "Mac" and Alta (Nelson) MacAlpine, decedents of one of Huron County's oldest families. T-Mac was a graduate from Bad Axe High School in 1962 before attending Western Michigan University where he earned his Bachelor's Degree in 1967. After graduation T-Mac became a history teacher and football coach at Ubly High School then taking over the family business, MacAlpine Furniture in Bad Axe.

He was a loving brother, caring father, loving companion and always abundantly grateful for his family and friends. A passionate coach and teacher, he loved to encourage students to pursue their dreams in education and sports. He was a proud business owner whose main concern was for the community and how his business could help flourish the town. And all in all being an awesome human.

Besides his love for family and friends, T-Mac's passions included playing golf, traveling, playing cards, encouraging loved ones to play in competitive sports, leading sing a-longs on a piano (a hidden talent), watching & cheering on his favorite sports teams, meeting new people who crossed his path, and playing practical jokes.

T-Mac is survived by his daughters Erin MacAlpine of Beverly Hills, California and Rene Parks of Aberdeen, North Carolina; his very best friend and love of his life, Debbie Decker of Bad Axe; "his boys" Daniel Decker, Brian (Whitney) Decker, and Michael Decker; was "Papa Tom" to Brooklyn and Shane Decker; brother William (Marilyn) MacAlpine of Bad Axe and sister Ruth Ann Gillis of Havertown, Pennsylvania; nieces and nephews, Lori (Doug) Clancy, Clark (Yumi) MacAlpine, Bill (Lisa) MacAlpine, Martin MacAlpine, James (Mukta) Gillis and Chrissy Gillis; along with several grand nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his brother in law, John Gillis.

Mass of Christian Burial will take place 11 am on Tuesday, September 15th at Sacred Heart Catholic Church (311 Whitelam St., Bad Axe) with Fr. Robert Howe officiating. Cremation and burial at Colfax Township Cemetery will take place at a later date. A party in T-Mac's honor will be at the Franklin Inn (1070 E. Huron Ave/M-142, Bad Axe) immediately following the mass on Tuesday.

Family will receive friends on Monday, September 14th from 2PM to 8PM at the MacAlpine Funeral Home (302 North Hanselman St., Bad Axe) and 10AM to time of service, on Tuesday at the church.

In lieu of flowers and those wishing to make an expression of sympathy are asked to consider making a donation to the T-MAC ATHLETIC FUND via Bad Axe Athletics, OR Athletic Club of your choice, OR the family discretionary fund.