Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
Gary Mackey Obituary
Gary Duane Mackey, 61, entered eternal rest on August 18, 2020. Gary was born in Athens, AL and spent his early years in the Anderson and Lexington, AL area. The family moved to Toledo, OH where he spent many years until he returned to finish high school at Lexington High.
Gary lived his soul's purpose as a life-long musician and professional fiddle player. Gary was known as, "the best fiddle player you never knew." He was a consistent recording studio fiddle player for Dolly Parton and other top country and bluegrass performers. He was a member of several regional and local bands performing at venues, large and small, around where he lived as well as nationally and internationally. Gary, as most of his friends and relatives know, loved teaching, especially children, the fiddle, mandolin, and guitar.
Gary is survived by a sister, Janice Mackey, and brother, Mike Mackey, both live in the Raleigh-Durham, NC area. He is preceded in death by his dad, Ewell Mackey, his mom, Juanita Shipp Mackey, grandparents, H.A. and Dura Newton Mackey, and grandparents, James and Eva Street Shipp. Gary has relatives that live in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Indiana, Ohio, and Tennessee. He has many, many musician and non-musician friends in all parts of the US and Europe. His sweet soul will be greatly missed.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Gary Mackey
Jonathan Lockwood
May 21, 2025
I believe Gary lived with my family in NY for a little while. At least I know he played fiddle with my brother Tim. I was young then so I don´t have a great memory of that time. Probably in late 70s or early 80s.
Pam McDonald
August 20, 2024
Gary we miss you more than ever. Nothing is the same since you left this earth.
I will see you in heaven sometime soon. Love you my best friend
Terry Roberson
January 20, 2024
Gary and I go way back to when he was just starting to play. I taught him the notes to Jerusalem Ridge and later he played on a couple of banjo tunes I recorded on a various banjo album in Lexington, AL. Miss seeing him at Dixie Stampede because he was off doing a gig. He was an awesome fiddle player and friend.
Ingrid Koehler
January 7, 2024
I knew him when he lived in Alabama and took fiddle lessons from him again when he moved to East Tennessee. We lost touch, but I've thought about him many times so fondly. I hear the world in a different way because of Gary.
Pam McDonald
August 18, 2022
WOW .. cant believe that it is two years today since the world lost you. my world not been the same and will probably never be the same with out you in it. Met you on a fluke back in 2009 when Jason and my brother said you were looking for a place to stay while in Florida. you rented the room from me and you instantly became my extended family. we used to solve the worlds problems sitting on the back porch at night. you introduced me to many different worlds and the beautiful world that you lived in. You were my friend and my big brother all wrapped into one. Every female out there should have the opportunity to have a friend as special as you in their lives. You opened doors and touched my life in ways I would never of dreamed would be.
The Munkins...Kayleigh, Klydie-joe, Mozzie and Rolo miss their Uncle Daddy Gary and I play your music for them often.
I hope you are having a rockin party in heaven full of good whiskey and cokes and your kind of music. Til we meet again in heaven my very special friend... much love !!!!
Vance Henry
August 20, 2021
It has been a year since Gary passed and I thought I would share my thoughts about him today to help keep his memory alive.
In 1982 I became interested in the mandolin. Learning tools was not as readily available as they are today. So I was looking anywhere and everywhere. One of the first festivals that I went to was at the Regency Square Mall in Florence AL and one of the first players that I saw (that could actually play any tune) was Gary. He was jamming with Lanky York and they were playing the tune Sweet Georgia Brown. I was instantly impressed. He played variation after variation and since I was interested in the mandolin, I ask if he could play all those notes on the mandolin, he smiled and said "Yeah , since fiddle and mandolin are tuned the same it wouldn´t be no problem" Every time that I saw him after that he never failed to provide me with a performance showing me how the fiddle and any tune was supposed to be played. I had an opportunity to jam with him at SPBGMA in 2001. We played late in the night. He made it look easy, he was a natural, he was put here to play music. He will be missed greatly. I hope you are still playing Gary. God bless.
Leon Gary
July 7, 2021
I met and instantly liked Gary at the Asheville Farmer´s Market while on our vacation on October 18, 2013.
He was playing a homemade fiddle attached to an empty metal coffee can. I recorded a short video of it and enjoy playing it now and then for friends and relatives.
We kept in contact by phone once a year when we were vacationing in the mountains every October.
Never saw him in person again because time was short on vacation trips.
I was devastated to get the news today when I searched the Webb to follow his activities.
Would be glad to share the video of the coffee can fiddle if you would give me an email address.
Leon Gary Ocala, Fl
Martin
June 3, 2021
RIP My friend you will me missed. Always had a smile.
Joyce Capps
January 1, 2021
Gosh what a shock. I took ny first lessons on the fiddle from him years ago in Morristown Tn. Loved to hear him play at The Front Porch Mexican restaurant in Cosby Tn. I knew he was a two time state champion but didnt know he played fiddle on Gotta Rush On by Goose Creek Symphony.
Jray
September 10, 2020
There's a "Party in the Sky"...
the Goose Creek Symphony and the Gooseheads will miss you bro.
Barbara Slaton
August 31, 2020
We heard Gary play the foddle at the Dixie Stampede. He was really talented. We really enjoyed hearing him play. I am sure he will really be missed. We will pray for his family.
Betty Newton Woody
August 30, 2020
Memories of Garys great great mother Fannie, grandmother Dura from the Hammond/Cottrell side of of the family. Playing music was a joy of the family and Gary got a huge talent gift from God. He willingly shared this with all who heard him.
David Wilson
August 29, 2020
I met Gary Mackey and Gary Davis also known as biscuit shortly after they moved here to East Tennessee back in 1988. When I first met Gary it was like meeting a friend I've known all my life. We played a lot of music and when the whiskey was flowing we solve The world's problems. Gary was one of my closest friends and will be sorely missed. Rest in peace my friend and know that you are well loved My Friend.
David Barr
August 29, 2020
I don’t know if any of you have ever heard of me or not, but Gary and I go back a long ways together! I met him in high school in Lexington Alabama and we immediately became good friends. He introduced to me and taught me the music I Aways grasped so desperately for. We played all around the country together. We shared so many good times and dreams. I didn’t have the talent that he was blessed with, but that didn’t matter, because he believed in me. I can’t even begin to tell you all we have been through together and I’ll miss him dearly. A beautiful soul and one I know I’ll see again!
David Barr
Rick Rorex
August 29, 2020
In the 80’s used to play a lot with Gary in the North Alabama area. Great player and a kind and gentle person. Saw him for the first time in many years last year in Asheville NC. We just picked up where we had left off. Rest in peace Gary and prayers to the family.
Tony Robertson
August 29, 2020
Many fond memories of learning to play Bluegrass music with Gary. His kind and gentle nature made him a pleasure to be around. He will be missed in our music community/family. My condolences to his family. God Bless
Andy Spearman
August 29, 2020
I am so fortunate to have known Gary Mackey. I was leaving the Fiddler’s Convention at the Florence AL mall that Ernest Ridgeway put on every year in around ‘84–‘85 and I heard someone on the other side of one of those big planters that were throughout the mall back then, playing note for note like Kenny Baker! I immediately stopped, walked around to the other side to see who in the world it could be, playing note for note like Baker, and it was Gary Mackey and his friend (and now mine too) John Harrell. I was just beginning to become interested in learning the fiddle and had heard that Gary gave lessons. I was a banjo picker at the time. So later I called Gary up and arranged to start lessons with him. This started a great friendship, and me and Gary became very close friends, driving all over the place playing our fiddles at all the contests, jamborees, conventions, shows, places like the Station Inn, etc. Then he decided to move to the Gatlinburg area so that he could make a living with his fiddle. I really hated to see him go, but he had to if he was going to be a professional musician. After that we would see very little of each other down through the years. It’s so sad that circumstance of this world causes friends and family to be separated. I will never forget Gary and really miss him greatly. He was a wonderful influence on my life as a person and a musician. Thanks Gary for being my friend. ‘Till we meet again.
Jerry Hinz
August 27, 2020
Inclusive - accepting- at Bluegrass Jams.... just before we all went home to be careful-- Planned to play a bunch more- with him -around town. Great to sit and talk on long breaks- I think he liked those a lot too.
D T
August 27, 2020
Please accept my condolences . I'm so sorry for the loss of your loved one. May the word of God comfort and strengthen you. 2 Thessalonians 2:16,17
Showing 1 - 19 of 19 results
Make a Donation
in Gary Mackey's name
Memorial Events
for Gary Mackey
How to support Gary's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Gary Mackey's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
