Norman Lackey

Norman Shuford Lackey, 91, passed away on September 24, 2015 at his home in Hickory NC after a period of declining health. He was born December 19, 1923 in Caldwell County to parents, George B and Callie McNiel Lackey, He was preceded in death by his parents and his younger brothers, Wayne and Edward Lackey.

He is survived by his wife of 68 years, Geneva Turnmire Lackey, who he knew since their early childhood. Also surviving are one daughter, Lyndon Lackey Withers and her husband, Gary Withers; nephews, Charles Lackey, Neil Lackey, Scott Lackey; and a niece, Janet Lackey Wallace; along with many cousins and special cat, Mr. Blacky Lackey.

He believed in education. After high school graduation, he received training as an electrician at Coyne Electrical School in Chicago, IL. He later earned the Associate in Applied Science degree from Catawba Valley Technical College, and then his Bachelor of Technology and Master of Arts from Appalachian State University.

He was a WWII Navy Veteran who served in the Pacific on the USS Endymion as an Electrician and after WWII, served in the Merchant Marines. He owned Lackey Electric Motor Repair in Boone NC and taught Electrician Training at Appalachian High School in Boone for three years in the beginnings of industrial training in the public schools. In 1963 he was asked to develop and start the Electrical Installation and Maintenance curriculum for Catawba Valley Community College, where he taught until his retirement in 1989. He was the author of three courses on electrical controls and one book on the National Electrical Code.

He always enjoyed photography and camping. In later years he made several wooden musical instruments including dulcimers, a hammered dulcimer, a banjo and a Celtic harp. He was a member of Viewmont Baptist Church, Hickory NC.

The funeral will be held Monday, September 28, 2015 at 2:00 p.m. at the Pendry’s Funeral Home chapel. The family will receive friends from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. Monday at the funeral home. Burial will follow at Blue Ridge Memorial Park in Lenoir.

Memorials may be made to Viewmont Baptist Church, 1246 2nd St NE, Hickory NC 20601 or to Catawba Regional Hospice, 3975 Robinson Road, Newton, NC 28658.