Ralph Mackey

Obituaries

Tuesday, 13 June 2023 11:56

Ralph S. Mackey, 95 of Scottsboro, born on Saturday, June 18, 1927, in Laurium, Michigan, passed away on Wednesday, June 7, 2023 from complications of Parkinson’s Disease. His ashes will be buried at a later date in Cedar Hill Cemetery.

A graduate of Michigan Tech College with a degree in Mechanical Engineering, he was employed at the Ford Motor Company in Dearborn, Michigan for 33 years. He was a United States Navy and United States Army veteran, and during his assignment at Redstone Arsenal, he met Jan, and they were married in 1954. After discharge, they moved to Michigan where he rejoined the Ford Motor Company, later retiring in 1983, when he moved to Scottsboro. He told others he liked living in Scottsboro better than any place he ever lived. He was a member of the Hardee’s coffee group, the Hospital Volunteers for 14 years and a lifetime member of the Historical Society. He spent much of his spare time working on old Jackson County records and contributed that information to the Heritage Center for it to be shared with others.

He faithfully attended First Baptist Church until he became disabled, and in his youth, he attended the Lutheran church.

He is survived by his wife of 69 years, Jan Porter; son, Charles (Gabrielle); daughter, Nancy Rose; grandson, Andrew Rose; granddaughter, Julie Rose; nephew, Allan Mackey; special brother-in-law, Jim Porter; many cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents, Urho and Signe Mackey; brother, Paul; nephew, Henri Mackey; brother-in-law, Ralph Porter; sister-in-law, Dorothy Richards.

A special thanks to Encompass Hospice for the excellent care Ralph received during his lengthy illness.
Memorial donations may be sent to First Baptist Church of Scottsboro, 215 South Andrews Street, Scottsboro, Ala. 35768 of The Heritage Center, P.O. Box 53, Scottsboro, Ala. 35768.