Ralph Davidson Lackey, 89, of Lexington, Virginia, died Thursday, March 17, 2011 at his home.
He was born September 28, 1921 in Rockbridge County, the son of the late Isaac F. Lackey and Mamie Page Lackey.
Mr. Lackey was a lifelong resident of Lexington and Rockbridge County.
He joined the Army Air Force during World War II and flew 106 combat missions in the South Pacific.
Ralph and his father owned and operated Lackey Lumber Company until 1969, after that he became a real estate broker, and knew the lands and roads of Rockbridge County as well as anyone.
He was a lifelong member, deacon, and elder of the Lexington Presbyterian Church, a member of the Mountain View Ruritan Club, and was instrumental in chartering the Sam Houston Ruritan Club.
For more than thirty years he served on the Rockbridge County Planning Commision as a member and chairman, and also served on the Rockbridge County Public Service Authority from its inception.
Mr. Lackey served and chaired the board of the local American Red Cross, where he enjoyed typing at the blood drives, and serving the county diligently during times of disaster.
Ralph also enjoyed woodworking, working quietly behind the scenes helping others, doing yard work and garden work, and most of all being with his family.
Surviving are his wife whom he married sixty seven years ago on February 11, 1944, Edith McClung Lackey of Lexington; one daughter, Cheryl Fairchilds and husband, Vern of Lexington; one grandson, Page Fairchilds and wife, Holly and two much loved great grandsons, Isaac and Gabriel, all of Salem, VA.
Funeral services will be conducted 2 p.m. Sunday, March 20, 2011 at Harrison Funeral Home Chapel with the Dr. William Klein officiating. Burial will follow at Stonewall Jackson Cemetery. The family will receive friends 5 to 7 p.m. Saturday, March 19, 2011 at Harrison Funeral Home or any time at their home. Memorial contributions may be made to a charity of your choice.
Arrangements are being handled by Harrison Funeral Home & Crematory, Lexington, Va., 540-463-2912.
