A Life Story
Derl "Carlton" Mackey, 93, of Savannah, Georgia, passed away peacefully in the hospital to be with his Lord and Savior on June 1st, 2024. Born and raised in Savannah, Georgia, he was the youngest son of the late Herbert Lance Mackey Sr. and Abyrom Tuttle Mackey. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by: his son, Mark Stephen Mackey, both brothers and sister-in-laws; Ernest Frederick (Mary) Mackey, Herbert Lance (Ann) Mackey Jr., of Georgia; both sisters and brother-in-laws, Essie Mackey (O.H.) Zipperer of Georgia, and Rheta Mackey (Henry) Jones of Florida; former wife and best friend, Joanne Dewberry Mackey; brother-in-law James W. Dewberry Sr. of Georgia; and both son-in-laws Jerry Guy, of Georgia, and Tim Halkola of Michigan. Carlton attended Benedictine Military Academy in Savannah and Lake Worth High School in Florida. He was a U.S. Army veteran during the Korean War. Upon his return from the Army, he attended Armstrong State College in Savannah, and Michigan Tech University in Houghton, Michigan. Carlton was a member of the First Baptist Church in downtown Savannah. He enjoyed a 30+ year career with the Army Corps of Engineers until retirement. Carlton had a zest for life which included hobbies such as dancing and playing golf. What was most enjoyable for him, however, was the time he got to spend with everyone in his family. Surviving are his children; Marilyn Swift of Michigan, Melanie Guy of Georgia, Bradley (Kiira) Archambeau of North Dakota; grandchildren, Jessica Saari and husband Dan Ogden of South Carolina, James Saari of South Carolina, Brianna and husband Dan Ross of Tennessee, and Kiri, Cale, Sofia and Liza Archambeau of North Dakota; great-grandchildren, Grace Saari, Jackson Ogden, Ella Ross, Josephine Ross, Vivian Ross; daughter-in-law Laura Big Eagle of Tennessee; several nieces and nephews, great nieces and great nephews, all of who were very special to him and he loved very much. The family wants to acknowledge Carlton's care received at The Palmettos of Bluffton in Okatie, SC. Their supportive environment helped keep Dad independent and gave him new opportunities to broaden his social skills. The family also wants to give a special thank you to Intrepid Hospice of Bluffton, SC and Crescent Hospice of Hilton Head, SC for their kindness and caring to Dad, "Carlton", during his final days. A private burial will be held on June 7th at Hillcrest Abbey East Cemetery. Remembrances may be made to: Salvation Army-Savannah Chapter, 3100 Montgomery St., Savannah, GA 31405.