Arthur Mackey Obituary

MACKEY, Arthur "Servant of GOD, well done! Rest from thy love employ. The battle fought, the victory won, Enter thy Master's joy." - original: John Wesley, founder of the Methodist movement. The Reverend Arthur Mackey, Jr., of Mt. Pleasant, South Carolina, entered into eternal rest into the arms of his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on March 19, 2009. He was the oldest son of the late Mr. Arthur Mackey, Sr., and Mrs. Emily Denmark Mackey. He was preceded in death by his beloved son and daughter Herbert Williams and Ms. Lillian Phyllis Mackey Wise, and precious wife of 60 years, Mrs. Rosa L. Mackey. Relatives and friends are invited to attend the viewing at Morris Brown A.M.E. Church in Charleston, South Carolina on Tuesday, March 24, 2009, 6:00 p.m. The Homegoing Celebration will be held on Wednesday, March 25, 2009, 11:00 a.m. at Morris Brown A.M.E. Church in Charleston, S.C., followed by interment at Bethel A.M.E. Church in Huger, S.C. Rev. Mackey was born on February 27, 1922 in Huger. As a young boy, he was educated in the public schools of Huger. He furthered his educational journey into personal enrichment and attended Seminary School in Summerville, answering his calling to preach the words and wisdom of God. He was the Pastor of St. James A.M.E. Church in Wando, S.C. under the guidance of the 7th Episcopal District. He also served as interim pastor at St. James A.M.E. Church in Awendaw and a lifetime member of Bethel A.M.E. Church in Huger, S.C., where he gave unselfishly of himself in any and every way needed. He preached whenever he was called and considered it to be an honor to talk about his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Rev. Mackey often stated that "he always had a sermon in his heart". He loved to preach about the goodness of God and finding salvation. He carried the Lord in his heart as he proudly served his country in the Merchant Marines aboard the USS St. Mihiel during World War II. His service to our country continued at the Naval Shipyard, Charleston, S.C., where he had an illustrious 45 year career working in various capacities of government. On the 2nd Sunday in June 1945, he met the beautiful Rosa Pettigrew, the love of his life as he often referred to her, at Mt. Carmel A.M.E. Church, Moncks Corner, S.C. They were married in 1948, the beginning of 60 wonderful years together. Their union of love produced seven children. As a relentless pioneer for change and community advocate, Rev. Mackey showed remarkable strength and conviction when he petitioned against all odds in the late 1950's and 1960's for improved roads, electricity and phone service in the Green Bay area. His success in this endeavor along with his continued tireless commitment to humanity earned him a featured tribute on Father's Day in the Post and Courier entitled "Unsung Hero". A devoted husband and father, Rev. Mackey instilled Christian values and morals in his children to prepare them to be victorious in whatever challenges life may bring. He encouraged education as one of the greatest treasures one could obtain and chose to live as a testimony to the notion that success should be measured by one's gifts of humanity and community service. No goal or desire was ever out of reach for Rev. Arthur Mackey, Jr. and he passed that legacy on to his children and grandchildren. He believed that when God plants a seed of passion in one's heart, he also plants the tools needed to achieve it. Rev. Mackey was a member of the Ministerial Alliance of the 7th Episcopal District. He was a dedicated and loyal member Pisgah Lodge No. 69 Prince Hall Affiliate. He was a simple humble man whose life was lived with great fortitude and grace. He was always optimistic, had a witty sense of humor and loved to tell jokes. He is dearly loved and will be sorely missed by his loving family. He is survived by his four daughters, Jewel Ella J. Brown of Orlando, FL.; Louvenia Julieann Floyd (Howard) of Pittsboro, N.C.; Minister Bettye Elizabeth Mackey of Columbia, S.C.; and Sandra Simuel (Harold) of Greer, S.C.; two sons, Reverend Abraham Mackey (Laura) of Virginia Beach, VA.; and Willie James Mackey of Stone Mountain, GA; 16 grandchildren and six great-grandchildren; Beulah Mae Mitchell and family (sister-in-law); nieces: Herline Mackey Nick, Julia Mackey, Dorothy Margie Swinton, Elizabeth Venning, and a host of family and friends. Visit our guestbook at www.postandcourier.com/ deaths.