Gerald Paul Mackay, of Midland, Texas, passed away peacefully on February 8th, after a period of declining health.He was born March 1, 1930, in Detroit, Michigan, the son of Michael and Julia Mackay.Jerry attended Northwestern High School in Detroit, from 1944-1948, and later attended a small college in Dearborn, Michigan, from which he attained an associate's degree. He was the Master of the Kilwinning Masonic Lodge in Detroit, Michigan, in 1963. In 1992 he retired from Ford Motor Company after a 30 plus year career as a design engineer.In his younger years, he was an accomplished roller skater, and met his then to be wife, Betty, while pursuing this shared interest. They were married in 1948. He was a competitive ballroom dancer, a world traveler and an ardent boating enthusiast. Over the course of 25 years Jerry’s greatest pleasure was restoring four cabin cruisers which he sailed on the Great Lakes.In 1994 Jerry survived a major stroke which left him partially paralyzed. Although he had to forego his love of boating, and dancing, he continued to lead a very active life. He had homes in Traverse City, MI and Phoenix, AZ and later moved to Midland full time.Jerry is survived by a brother, William Mackay, and wife, Dustie ,of Lakemont, Georgia; son, Gary Mackay, and wife Cathy, of Midland Texas; son, Jeff Mackay, and wife, Lisa, of Morganton, North Carolina; daughter in law Joanne Mackay, of Oxnard, California. He is also survived by seven grandchildren, and four great grandchildren.He was preceded in death by his wife, Betty Mackay, and a son, Dennis Mackay.There will be a family visitation at the home of Gary and Cathy Mackay, in Midland, Texas, from 7-9 pm, Wednesday, February 12.There will be a family memorial gathering at the home of Jeff and Lisa Mackay, in Morganton, North Carolina on Saturday, March 8.Arrangements are under the direction of Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home & Crematory. Online condolences can be made at www.npwelch.com.,
