Clarence Avery Mackey (formerly of Iron City, TN) passed away Thursday, October 20, 2016 at the age of 88. Graveside service will be held at 2pm on Monday, October 24, 2016 at Kennesaw Memorial Park, with Rev. Walter Moon officiating.
Avery was born on May 4th, 1928. He attended Loretto High School in Loretto, TN, and served in the United States Army from 1946 to 1952 primarily as a radio repair technician. His military commendations include a Good Conduct Medal, an Occupation Medal (Japan), a Combat Infantry Badge, and a Korean Service Medal with four Bronze Stars. Following an honorable discharge, Avery attended and graduated from Southern Technical Institute with an associate degree in engineering. He was employed by IBM as a Senior Customer Service Engineer in Atlanta from 1955 until his retirement in 1991. He enjoyed woodworking as a hobby, and his finely crafted furniture, clocks, toy trucks and trains will be treasured by his family for generations to come.
Avery was preceded in death by his parents William H. McKey and Minnie Pearl Hollis; brothers Clyde Dewey Mackey and Charles Mackey; and sisters Edith Caperton and Margaret Bratcher. Avery is survived by Betty, his loving wife of 58 years; four sons Curtis, Cory, Chris, and Chad; ten grandchildren, and one great-grandson.