William Henry Mackey, construction co. retiree
William Henry Mackey, favorably known to all as “Big Henry,” 79, departed this earthly life Tuesday, Jan. 5, 2021, at the Hospice Center in Milford.
Henry was born Jan. 15, 1941, in Englehardt, N.C., son of the late Preston and Janie Barbara Mackey.
Henry was educated in North Carolina before moving to Delaware with his eldest sister and her family. Upon arriving in Delaware, he worked various jobs. In 1978 he started his career working for Melvin Joseph Construction Company in Georgetown. He was a faithful and dedicated worker, always the first man on the job. Henry would often brag to his family about how he would always get a new truck when Mr. Joseph would purchase new ones. After getting his new truck, he would always come by home, blow his horn and would be smiling from ear to ear. After serving 36 years with the company, he retired in 2014.
He loved his job so much that he knew the company would host a Christmas party. Henry would start filling his car trunk weeks prior to the party with his holiday spirits. The party would end up in the parking lot, at his trunk. Henry was also known for his annual three-day family and friends barbeque.
He loved riding his motorcycle and going to the annual Daytona Bike Week in Florida with his brother and nephews. Henry was also one of the original Tread Burners Motorcycle Club members.
He met and married Shirley (Andrews) Mackey in 1972. They joined families and raised five children together.
In addition to his parents, Henry was preceded in death by his wife of 42 years, Shirley Mackey; a son, Gene Midgett; and grandson Ty’Ree Bowden.
He is survived by two daughters, Tina Midgette of Millsboro and Glenda (Troy) Bowden of Georgetown; two sons, Gregory Williams of New Jersey and Brian Andrews (Amy) of Dover; one brother, Gilbert Mackey of Millsboro; one daughter-in-law, Audrey Midgette of Seaford; one brother-in-law, Joseph Andrews (Rebecca) of Seaford; two sisters-in-law, Hannah Mackey of North Carolina and Charlotte Bagby of Philadelphia, Pa..; 10 grandchildren, Lakira, Katrina, Renata, Gene, Handsome, Troy, Trey, Takoda, La’Asia, Tamara, Jasha and Nydashia; and 15 great-grandchildren.
Also left to mourn his loss are several good friends: Linwood Lewis, Lemond Taylor, his loving neighbor, Lisa Bolden, his loving pastor, the Rev. Annie Custis, whom he took pride in protecting whenever she came to the church in the evening. He would be sure and circle the church several times while she was there until she was in her car. He also leaves a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, friends and two special nieces, Beverly Mackey and Velma Gibbs.
There will be a viewing Friday, Jan. 15 from 6 to 8 p.m., at St. John 2nd Baptist Church, 26602 Mt. Joy Road, Millsboro, and the Celebration of Life service will be Saturday, Jan. 16, with a viewing from 10 a.m. to noon, and the service commencing at noon at the church. To offer words of comfort or sign the guest book, visit www.benniesmithfuneralhome.com. Professional services entrusted to Bennie Smith Funeral Home, Milford.
