Thomas Hughes Mackey

1940 - 2025

Thomas Hughes Mackey

January 15, 1940 - July 13, 2025

Thomas (Tommy or Tom, as he was known professionally) Hughes Mackey, age 85, of Newland, N.C., passed away peacefully in his sleep on Sunday, July 13, 2025. Tom was born on January 15, 1940, at Presbyterian Hospital in Charlotte, N.C., to Jean Hughes and LeConte Mackey and grew up in Lancaster, S.C.

After graduating from Carlisle Military School in Bamberg, S.C., Tom studied business at Campbell College in Buies Creek, N.C. After college, Tom moved to Hickory, N.C., to begin his career in sales, working for Wilson & Company. In an effort to avoid being relocated, Tom left Wilson & Company and began his long career in printing and business forms sales. After working for a couple different firms, Tom and two partners started their own company, called Computer Forms & Products. After a brief retirement, he decided to start his own business with his wife, Piedmont Printing Solutions, which continues to operate today, some 23 years later.

After living in Hickory for over 50 years, Tom and Ramah moved to their mountain home. He enjoyed playing golf and gathering with friends. When Kursten and the grandchildren came to visit, he would entertain them by taking them fishing, golfing, helping to make homemade peach ice cream, playing cards, and just spending time together talking on the deck. Next to his love of family and golf, calling on his customers brought Tom great joy, some of whom he called on for 40+ years.

Tom never knew a stranger, always striking up a conversation with those around him. He loved dances, especially when he was able to show off his shag moves. When it came to a party, Tom was known to make a point to talk to everyone there, truly "working the room" as friends would note. His love of people was obvious in work and play.

When it came to character, Tom was compassionate, loyal, honest, and hard working. During his brief retirement, he helped a sick friend who could no longer drive, saying God had planned for him to be available in the friend's time of need. Tom also consistently showed up for those he loved as they neared the end, even if it meant a long drive.

Tom is predeceased by his parents and his brother, Robert Barber Mackey. He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Ramah Blackwelder Mackey; his daughter, Kursten Mackey Callahan and her children Andrew Joseph Callahan and Kathryn Mackey Callahan of Charlotte, N.C.

The celebration of life will be held at 2 p.m., on Saturday, July 19, 2025, at Corinth Reformed Church in Hickory in the main sanctuary with Pastor Paul Cummings officiating. The family will hold a receiving in the Althouse Room immediately following the service. Honorary pallbearers include Steve Brackett, Joe Coleman, Tom Cumming, Bob Drawdy, Billy Long, Chip Smith, Melvin Smith, and Jack West.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to one's favorite charity.