Henry Ellis Lackey

Henry Ellis Lackey, affectionately known as "The Mayor of Deltaville," passed away at his home, in Hardyville, Virginia, on March 1, 2025, at the age of 82. He was surrounded by friends and family.

Born on August 17, 1942, in Horse Head, Virginia, Henry built a life rooted in hard work, community service, and an enduring passion for craftsmanship. For over five decades, he owned and operated Deltaville Diesel Company, where his mechanical expertise and dedication made him a trusted figure in the local maritime community. 

Beyond his professional life, Henry was deeply involved in the Deltaville community. A devoted member of Zoar Baptist Church, he served as Trustee and was integral to the beach service audio committee. His commitment to service extended to the Lower Middlesex Volunteer Fire Department, where he dedicated 52 years in various roles, most notably as chief mechanic. He was also a Past Master and Treasurer of Donovan Lodge #75 AF&AM. 

Henry had a lifelong appreciation for history and preservation. He collected antique engines and small machines, and donated his time and machinery to local museums, including the Deltaville Maritime Museum. 

Henry was a man of many talents and interests, an avid beekeeper and gardener who found joy in cultivating nature’s gifts. He was also a self-taught winemaker who enjoyed sharing his experimental fermentations, including tomato wine, with friends and family. He will be fondly remembered for his distinctive Northern Neck accent, the ever-present twinkle in his eye, and the red shop rag in his right back pocket. 

He is survived by his wife Marcia; son Todd and his partner Andrea Harkins of Portland, ME; daughter Lisa and her partner Roy Esquibel of Chesapeake; sister Katherine Lackey of Richmond; grandsons Logan and Thomas; Thomas’s fiancée Madelyn Clevinger; and former son-in-law Tom Hamilton of Urbanna. 

A visitation will be held on Tuesday, March 4, 2025, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Zoar Baptist Church. The funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, March 5, 2025, at Zoar Baptist Church. Interment will follow in Zoar Baptist Church Cemetery, with a reception afterward at the Lower Middlesex Volunteer Fire Station. 

Faulkner Funeral Homes, Bristow-Faulkner Chapel, Saluda is assisting the family.