Dwight Mclaughlin

On June 30, 2022, Dwight Lee McLaughlin, was called to rest. DWIGHT was born in Albany, N.Y. on March 1, 1945, to the late Ralph McLaughlin and the late Helen B. Clark McLaughlin. He spent his early childhood and high school education attending the Albany Public School System. He became an avid basketball player while attending Philip Schuyler High School, where he coined the nickname “Flea” based on his agility to maneuver the ball on the basketball court. He also participated in Track and Field.

At the height of the Vietnam War, after graduating high school in 1963, DWIGHT briefly attended Virginia Union University in Richmond, Virginia where his partying outperformed his grades, which resulted in him getting drafted into the United States Military, Army where he excelled serving as a Radio Tele Operator.

DWIGHT fathered four cherished children: Sheila, Steven, Tramell, and Janelle, whom he loved deeply. He left an indelible mark of love and fashion for his daughters and his “Mac” reputation with his son. He was always there for his children and had a unique, special relationship with each child. DWIGHT was surrounded by a large, loving extended family, and loved to trash-talk with his many cousins.

DWIGHT received an Honorable discharge in December 1968 and worked for Sterling Winthrop Laboratories in Rensselaer before locating to Inglewood, California, where he began a 23-year career as a Transit Operator at the Southern California Rapid Transportation District (RTD), later reorganized as the Los Angeles Metropolitan Transit Authority (MTA). DWIGHT's great personality and infectious laughter made him a favorite among his riders and co-workers. He was always offering suggestions and advice to whoever he met, and quickly made friends. He was the life of the party and he enjoyed going to the local American Legion Post to hang out and dance.

DWIGHT was also an avid sports fan and became glued to the television when any sport was being played, especially when it was one of his favorite teams, the New York Jets, New York Yankees, Los Angeles Dodgers, New York Knicks, or the Los Angeles Lakers. His blood bled purple and gold!

Shortly after retirement, DWIGHT experienced a major health challenge. His indelible spirit, strength and resilience were evident as he relearned basic life skills, and with the support of family and friends, regained much of his independence.

DWIGHT relocated to Las Vegas, NV in 2006. You could find him at his favorite casinos, the Aliante and Texas Station every Monday and Wednesday playing his beloved poker game, going to the movies, and having lunch. He also enjoyed playing Pinochle with his best friends John (Sue) Bowman, and William (Lill) Harrell, among others. DWIGHT was blessed to spend many weekends with his brother, Cortez, and loved eating the delicious meals his brother cooked for him. One of DWIGHT’s favorite sayings, from a song was, "…Those were the days my friend, I thought they'd never end…"

DWIGHT quietly departed this life and gained his heavenly home. He was preceded in death by his parents, Ralph and Helen McLaughlin. Memories of DWIGHT will be cherished by his beloved brother, Deacon Cortez McLaughlin, Moreno Valley, CA; his children, Sheila McLaughlin, Los Angeles, CA; Steven McLaughlin, Cohoes, NY; Tramell McLaughlin, North Carolina; Janelle McLaughlin, Denver, CO; his grandchildren, Khalid (Candace) Miller, Shaquora McLaughlin, Michesha Cancer, Nyeema Destiny Duhart, Carmello McLaughlin, Braylon Trivette, Analeigh Trivette, Kalius Izon McLaughlin,  Cayson Trivette, and Remy Gutierrez; great-grandchildren, Jamal Anderson, Jr., Tieheem Sutton, Jr., CatAleyah Meji, Nasir Barnett; nieces, Verona McLaughlin, Michelle McLaughlin, nephews, Jose McLaughlin, and Jeremy McLaughlin. He is also survived by dear friends John Bowman; William Harrell; Willie Branch, and a host of loving cousins, family members, and friends.

The Celebration of Life will be held at 12 pm on August 7, 2022 at Davis Funeral Homes & Memorial Park, 1401 S. Rainbow Blvd, Las Vegas, NV. 89146. Viewing hours are from 11:00 am -12:00 pm.

Cards, flowers, and expressions of love can be mailed to Davis Funeral Home, Attn: Dwight L. McLaughlin, 1401 S. Rainbow Blvd. Las Vegas, NV 89146