Phillip Mackey

PHILLIP JAY MACKEY 1943-2018

Phillip Jay Mackey of Columbus, Ohio passed away on Friday the 29th of June in 2018 at the Westminster Thurber facility in Columbus. "Phill" was born in Akron, Ohio on the 28th of October in 1943 to his parents, Robert and Kathryn (Phillips) Mackey. Phill was the youngest member of his family and is survived by his two sisters, Marjorie and Linda. He attended Ellet Elementary and Ellet High School in Akron. After high school graduation, he attended the George Fox University in Chicago, with his goal in mind to become a YMCA administrator. However, the war in Vietnam interrupted that ambition when he joined the U.S. Secret Service and was sent overseas until 1968.

Phill returned from his service duties and visited with his family and friends in Oregon, Ohio, and other places. He lived in San Antonio, Texas for awhile,  working as a head waiter in a riverside fancy restaurant there. He eventually settled in Columbus, Ohio where he met his future wife, Donna Jean Larimer. They were both working as nurses. They married on Valentine's Day in 1986. Their only child, Gabriel Ray Mackey, was born in 1988.

Phill started a business called "Phill's Phixit" and enjoyed the freedom of being self employed. He and Donna bought a large home that needed much renovation and Phill was just the guy who could "phixit" up into a beautiful place. One highlight is a mural that Phill painted on Gabe's bedroom wall. Since Phill was a trumpeter and drummer, he and his musical buddies spent time in the basement of this house jamming together. Another activity that made Phill happy was playing basketball with Gabe and his pals at Gabe's school gymnasium.

Phill was known for his quiet, loving way of being.  He will be missed!

Memorial Service has been scheduled and confirmed

September 9 (Sunday), 2018

10:00 – 11:30 am

Goodale Shelter House

Potluck – bring one of Phill’s favorites or something you like to share.  Plasticware, plates, napkins, water will be provided.

Bring photos and stories to share... Story sharing and eating will begin at 10:00 am.

Feel free to arrive early, set-up, mingle...

We must be cleaned up and out of the building (and parking lot) by Noon; of course, conversations can continue in the park (but, again, you cannot remain parked by the shelter house).

Some of Phill’s computer art will be available for viewing and to purchase with a donation to the Gabe fund.

Also, donations may be made for the purchase of a Memorial bench and/or tree at Goodale park in Phill’s name/honor

We look forward to hearing your stories.