William Henry Mackey

William Henry Mackey, favorably known to all as “Big Henry”, departed this earthly life on Tuesday, January 5, 2021, at Delaware Hospice, in Milford, Delaware. He was 79 years old. Henry was born on Wednesday, January 15, 1941, in Englehard, North Carolina. He was the son of the late Preston and Janie Mackey. Henry was educated in North Carolina, prior to relocating to Delaware, with his eldest sister and her family. Upon arriving, he worked various jobs. In 1978, he started his career working for Melvin Joseph Construction Company, in Georgetown, Delaware. 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 stop by his home, blow his horn, smiling from ear to ear. After serving 36 years with the company, Henry retired in 2014. He loved his job so much. He knew the company would host a Christmas party, so Henry would start filling his car trunk weeks prior to the party, with 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. Henry 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 in 1972. Together they raised five children. Henry was a member of St. John 2nd Baptist Church. He took great pride in protecting his pastor, Reverend Annie J. Custis. 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 safely in her car. In addition to his parents, Henry was preceded in death by his wife of 42 years, Shirley Mackey; a son, Gene Midgette and grandson, Ty’Ree Bowden. Henry is survived by two daughters, Tina Midgette of Millsboro, DE and Glenda Bowden (Troy) of Georgetown, DE; two sons, Gregory Williams of New Jersey and Brian Andrews (Amy) of Dover, DE; one brother, Gilbert Mackey of Millsboro, DE; daughter-in-law, Audrey Midgette of Seaford, DE; brother-in-law, Joseph Andrews (Rebecca) of Seaford, DE; two sisters-in-law, Hannah Mackey of NC and Charlotte Bagby of Philadelphia, PA; 12 grandchildren, Lakira, Katrina, Renata, Gene, Handsome, Troy, Trey, Takoda, La’Asia, Tamara, Jasha and Nydashia;15 great-grandchildren; good friends, Linwood Lewis and Lemond Taylor; loving neighbor, Lisa Bolden; two special nieces, Beverly Mackey and Velma Gibbs; special friend, Erskin Mackey; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

William Henry Mackey

January 15, 1941 - January 5, 2021