John Mackley

Published in the Bristol Herald Courier from 1/21/2009 - 1/22/2009

JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. – John L. Mackley, 78, passed away on Tuesday, Jan. 20, 2009, at his residence.

Born in Roan Mountain, Tenn., he was the son of the late John and Bonnie Potter Mackley. Mr. Mackley attended First Free Will Baptist Church. He also attended Science Hill High School ,where he was known as an outstanding athlete and was inducted into the Science Hill High School Sports Hall of Fame.

He was a professional baseball player for 11 years with the St. Louis Cardinals and also played with the Milwaukee Braves before being drafted into the Army, where he served in Germany.

He retired from EZ Painter after 36 years as a tool and dye maker. Mr. Mackley was a member of the Romeo Club, which consisted of old schoolmates that met once a week for breakfast and several outings. He enjoyed country music, woodworking and especially fishing.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brothers, Rob, Herbert, Bruce and Ernest Mackley.

Mr. Mackley is survived by his wife of 43 years, Betty Mackley of Johnson City; daughters, Gilda Spencer and husband Kermit of Madison, Ohio, and Deborah Eubank and husband Glen of Houston; sons, Mickey Mackley of Johnson City and David Mackley and wife Rachel of Johnson City; sisters, Tenna Eades of Johnson City and Gladys McKinney of Baltimore; grandchildren, Stephanie, Steven, Wesley, Celeste, Curtis, Mikki Lynn and Ashlyn; great-grandchildren, Cortney, Kirstin, Steven Jr. and Mikkenlee: special great-grandson, Derrick "D"; several nieces and nephews; and special friends Jay Washburn, Elbert Marks, Richard Church and Joe Ebarb.

A graveside service with military honors will be held on Wednesday at 2 p.m. in National Cemetery at Mountain Home, Tenn., with the Rev. Tony Trott officiating. Family and friends are asked to meet at the funeral home at 1:15 p.m. for procession.

Memories and condolences may be shared with the family and viewed at www.tetrickfuneralhome.com or faxed to (423) 610-7177.

Arrangements for the Mackley family are in the care of Tetrick Funeral Services, 3001 Peoples St., Johnson City, TN 37604, (423) 610-7171.