Jon Cook Mackey

Burnsville - Jon Cook Mackey, 89, of the Cattail Creek community in Pensacola, and beloved husband of 68 years to Mary Macmillan Mackey, passed away Saturday, Aug. 6, 2005, at his home.

Jon was born in Philadelphia to John Gribble and Uarda Cook. During World War II he served in the U.S. Army Air Corps with B-29 units in the Pacific Theater. An innovative entrepreneur, Jon designed and manufactured custom fine furniture for several years before embarking into the profession of leadership training and financial planning for churches. Fifth-year residents of the Pensacola community, Jon and his wife devoted their retirement years to traveling abroad.

He was best remembered for his love of the mountains, for completing the Appalachian Trail, the Long Trail and the Pacific Crest Trails. His expeditions including hiking/climbing in Mexico, Peru, Austria and New Zealand, to highlight a few. He was a member of the Mazamas, ATC, Green Mountain Club and Carolina Mountain Club as well as several veterans organizations. He described his greatest joys as studying his Bible and meeting new, interesting people.

Surviving, in addition to his wife, Mary, are his son, Colonel (Ret.) Jon D. Mackey of Tennessee and two daughters, Susan Palmer of New Zealand and Allison Hoddle of Oregon.

A memorial service will be held at a later date due to the health of Mrs. Mackey. For this reason the family asks that visitations be limited and, in lieu of sending flowers, donations be made to Hospice of Yancey County, 856 Georges Fork Road, Burnsville, NC 28714.