James Alton Lackey,

James "Gruff" Alton Lackey, age 75, of Taylorsville passed away to be with his heavenly father on Wednesday, June 20, 2012 at his home.  He was born in Alexander County on January 26, 1937 to the late Vance and Almetta Baker Lackey.  He worked for both Akers Motor Lines and Consolidated Freight during his trucking career.  After retiring from trucking, Gruff continued working in the logging business in Alexander County.  He attended Pleasant Hill Baptist Church.  Gruff served in the Army from 1955-1958 with his twin brother John.  Gruff enjoyed watching and following NASCAR, attending auctions, working on his farmland, and spending time with his grandchildren.  Those left to cherish his memory include his wife, Kathy Harrington Lackey, of the home; one daughter, Lisa Lackey, of Hiddenite; one son, Dean Lackey and wife Tonya, of Charlotte; three grandsons, Dylan Lackey, of Hiddenite and Harrison & Spencer Lackey, of Charlotte; one granddaughter, Jordan Lackey, of Charlotte; one twin brother, John Lackey, of Taylorsville; two sisters, Linda Stiles and husband Bill, of Bessemer City, NC and Phyllis "Bits" Templeton and husband Ralph, of Statesville.  Visitation for family and friends will be held on Saturday June 23, 2012 from 1:30 pm - 3:00 pm at Pleasant Hill Baptist Church. The Funeral Service will follow at 3:00 pm at the Church.  Burial will follow at the Taylorsville City Cemetery immediately following the funeral.  Rev. Bradley Johnson and Rev. Jerry Gwaltney will be officiating.  Full military rights will be provided.  Memorials may be made to Pallative Care & Hospice Foundation of Catawba Valley, 3975 Robinson Road, Newton, NC 28658.