Malcolm Lee Dinwiddie, Jr.

Malcolm Lee Dinwiddie, Jr.

They don’t make ‘em like this anymore.

Malcolm Lee Dinwiddie, Jr. was a storyteller, conservationist, rule bender, explorer, inventor, businessman, and a loving husband, father and grandfather. His earthly flame burned out on March 15, 2026 while surrounded by loved ones at his family property “At Ease” in Pass Christian, Mississippi.

He was born in “Newahyens” on September 28,1934 to Lynne Northrop Dinwiddie and his father, his namesake. Malcolm was an only child and was close with his two aunts, Christine and Jane Northrop. 

“Smidge” attended Sam Barthe and Newman School. He graduated from Sewanee Military Academy in Tennessee and then earned a degree from Tulane University. His father would not allow him to accept a tennis scholarship for fear of becoming a tennis bum. 

After serving in the Army, he followed in his father’s footsteps with a lifelong career as a health and life insurance agent who sold pensions and profit-sharing plans as well. His work ethic was unmatched. He always advocated for his customers and held his last account into his ninth decade. He was perpetually worried, an insurance man to his core. 

On August 22, 1958, at Trinity Episcopal Church, Malcolm married Claudia Wirth Dinwiddie, an incredible woman — beautiful, sharp, witty and deeply loving, who was every bit his match. For nearly 68 years he found in her his greatest joy. Together they raised four children whom he taught by example to be self-sufficient, solve problems, and to always do the right thing, especially when no one was looking. He did not raise his children to be sheep. With the kids out of school, in 1993 he and Claudia sold their home in New Orleans and moved to the Pass.

Malcolm was one of a kind, an absolute character! He was frugal to a fault yet would surprise you with his generosity. A self-proclaimed soft-shell Baptist, he could be stubborn as a mule, funny as hell, surly as a caged possum, and quick to help when he saw a need. He was 100% authentic and always true to himself. His poems written to his bride were almost as sweet as her famous pound cake. His telephone etiquette at the house was deplorable, especially if you rang after 7pm or if you asked to speak to Mr. or Mrs. Dinwiddle. 

You could find him jogging through the shadows under the live oaks in Audubon Park almost every day of the week. On the weekends he was chasing fish and game along the coastal marshes and barrier islands. No one loved an 11.5” trout more than Malcolm! 

Malcolm was a creature of habit, but unpredictable at times. Strict in his younger years, he became a gentle spirit as he aged. He had an inventive mind and was eager to attempt to solve the world’s problems. 

He did not need your approval before stating his opinion. A person always knew where they stood with him. Around 5 pm, he enjoyed scotch and water, and when his finger pushed his glasses up on the bridge of his nose, that was his tell. That’s when he was about to give you a pearl of wisdom or deliver a punchline that would leave his audience in stitches. 

He cherished his family and friends and genuinely loved the dogs that accompanied him in the field, but nothing lit him up quite like his grandchildren. They were, without a shadow of doubt, what made him most proud. 

It’s fair to say that Malcolm squeezed all he could out of his life and he will be missed terribly by his wife, children, grandchildren and many friends.

Special thanks to his caregivers and Father Patrick Sanders. The family will hold a private service. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations may be sent to St Jude, or charity of choice, or to plant a citrus tree or a live oak in his honor.

The final book that Malcolm reread from cover to cover was The Old Man and The Boy, authored by Robert Ruark. True to form, just like the old man in the book, “He kept his promise.”

Edmond Fahey Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Malcolm Lee Dinwiddie, Jr.