Birth date: Jun 3, 1965 Death date: Jan 22, 2022
Joseph Mackey, age 56, born on June 3, 1965, and passed away on January 22, 2022. Beloved husband of 29 years to Judy Mackey (nee Hinton). Loving father of William Mackey (Kelly), Bethany Davis, and Amy Mackey. Cherished grandfath Read Obituary
The Life that Joe Built as Told by His Wife and Family
The life that Joe built reflects the love that Joe had for others and for life itself. Joe put his heart and soul into everything he did, learning as he went. He truly put his stamp on everything, from his work on the job sites, to the parties we enjoyed, the Friday night fires in the back yard, and including all the activities with his children, family, and friends. He was the first one there to set up and the last one to leave after everything was torn down and neatly put away.
Joe went along with most things, someone once said that he was easy going. But that didn’t mean that he took it easy on you. Joe had high standards. He meant what he said and said what he meant. He didn’t like chit-chat, but that meant that you could take him at his word. He didn’t complain or compromise. He made the best out of what life gave him. He built the best life he could for himself and his family.
This is evident in the many cherished messages and memories that have been shared in the last few weeks. From his oldest childhood buddies, who tell tails of a Joe from before I knew him, to someone who shared that they’d only just worked with him for a short time on a job project, and everyone in between, Joe made an impact.
Joe put others before himself. He was a go-to guy. You could rely on him. If he saw a need, he offered to help. He didn’t wait to be asked. Once someone was driving down the street and their gas tank was dragging from their car. They stopped right in front of our house. Joe did not hesitate. He went to the garage, grabbed some duct tape, and went out front to see if he could help. He slid under the car, got the tank refastened and the driver had a quick fix to get them where they were going. Like so many other times and so many other stories, that was Joe. No questions asked, no judgement passed, no payment required, no praises desired, he was satisfied with a job well done.
To whom much is given, much is expected. Joe had high expectations but that was because he held himself to high standards. By expectations that doesn’t mean he expected a lot. He just expected you to do your best. He took you at your word and expected you to stand by it. Everyone who thinks of him will have a different recollection. From his childhood to his work, to his family and in his personal life, Joe was an example of love and loyalty. He could be relied upon and trusted. To some, it would seem that he went out of his way, but that’s not how Joe looked at it. Your thanks were enough. A new story to tell, a relationship to build, a friendship to grow stronger, a love that endured, were the things that Joe treasured.
So, treasure your memories of his life well built.
To My sister Judy, and William, Kelly, Bethany, and Amy, Joe was a man with a huge heart. He unselfishly did for others all the time. He was always willing to help out anyone who needed help. I will cherish all the great and fun times we had together. I will miss the car rides, the dinner dates, the parties, picnics, holidays, backyard fires, cookouts when people caught on fire, the phone calls, and just having you always with us. I have over 30 years of memories to cherish and be thankful for. He was a favorite brother in law and a wonderful Uncle to Alivia and Andrew. He will forever be in our hearts. 💗Sharon kobal
To be a Mackey means a lot of things; we are tinkers by nature. Our homes all filled with this or that, saving every last piece of "you might need it someday" scrap.
It means having a wild side without fear, loud parties with fire works each year. Family events that often lead out to the barn or garage. Jokes and laughs of building your own hot rods.
Pulling your kids around on an old car hood, knowing when they were too quiet they were up to know good.
Being a Mackey is so much more to explain, one thing I can tell you we are never mundane. As you grow up the final test, to be a Mackey you have to beat the best.
The game is Euchre, no spot is given free you need to earn your place "if your replacing me". The spot rarely empty with the original four, while the rest of the family play and cheer on the score.
They would talk of Grandma and the tricks she had, get up circle twice - if you had a bad hand. We would be told to be quite once someone was "in the barn", then hoop and hollar for who had finally won.
My Dad's spot became vacant in 2008, the first family function I knew I had what it takes. Grandpa *hated* when I started with my bower or said I was going alone. I had my own style, but still he would groan. Then my uncles would shake their heads in disbelief, when all the tricks had been won and won by me. Years of watching and waiting that seat was mine, my chance had just begun finally my time.
The nerve of them!! when they said my spot I had to now share, I thought the thrown was mine I won fair and square. I'm thankful for that table and all the games played there. For tonight we are holding on to all the memories, the best moments we all shared.
Deep into the end of day, with tears streaming I whisper its okay. I understand the time is soon, our family is waiting to play. The open seat is there waiting and you know my Dad can't play against Grandma & Grandpa alone.
Please give my Dad the biggest hug. 🖤
Joe was a lifelong friend he will be truly missed.
Dear Judy and Family,
Theresa and I sends our deepest condelences to you and your family You and your family will be in our prayers.
With Sympathy,
Pam and Theresa Lincheck
Dear Judy and Family,
Our prayers are with you and your family. Joe will be missed by the people who worked with him at A. M. Higley Co.
We are so sorry for your loss.
Sincerely,
Mike and Tina Bartish
