Thomas Gerald "Jerry" Mackey, Sr., 87, passed away June 4, 2018. Born in Lancaster, SC in 1930, he was the son of the late Wadell Thomas Mackey and Bernice Graham Mackey. Gerald went to Lancaster High School and served in the US Navy as a photographer to the General from 1950 to 1954.

Always on the Deans' list and in the Honor Society, Gerald graduated from Florida State University in 1957 with a Bachelors Degree in Journalism. He loved photography and water skiing and even skied for Cypress Gardens. He was previously a member of Covenant Presbyterian Church where he served as an usher as well as Lake Murray Presbyterian Church.

Probably best known for starting the lighting store, The Lite House, Gerald began his lighting career in Florence, SC at Murray Mitchell. After moving to Columbia he became a co-owner of Southland Lighting and eventually, in 1973, opened his first location of The Lite House on Bush River Road and later opened a showroom on Two Notch Road, both of which are still in business.

Happiest on and near the water, Gerald was a boat enthusiast and sailor. He spent much of his life in Charleston, SC - a place he loved dearly. In the 80's there was a Lite House location there as well. He was married to his lifelong sweetheart and late wife, Blanche Coleman Mackey, for over 60 years. He was a brilliant man with a knack for technology (wore an iWatch at 87) and could fix anything - his extensive tool collection was quite impressive.

He is survived by his daughter and son-in-law, Jan and Jim Bonniville; one son, Thomas Gerald "JJ" Mackey, Jr and his wife, Flavia Lovatelli; two granddaughters, Ashton Lunceford and Whitney Mackey Balish and her husband, Will Balish, and his best feline buddy, Felix (the most spoiled and loved cat in town).

The family will have a visitation at Shives Funeral Home, Trenholm Road Chapel, 7600 Trenholm Road Ext., Columbia, on Thursday, June 14th from 5 until 7pm.