William James Mackley

William James Mackley passed away July 22, 2020 of Stage IV bladder cancer at his Bremerton, WA home surrounded by the love of his wife and children. Bill was born in 1944 to Bertha and Elmer Mackley. He grew up in Arco, Idaho swimming in the canal, teasing his mom and sisters, exploring the landscape, and occasionally getting into mischief with his friends. He served a two-year mission in the Northern United States for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. While attending Ricks College he met his eternal companion Katherine Anne Preston. They were married December 29, 1967 in the LDS Idaho Falls Temple. When called to duty he served honorably as a member of the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War and achieved the rank of Sergeant. Following his two-year military service he graduated from DeVry Institute of Technology with an Associates of Engineering. He then began his career as a calibration metrologist and worked for Lockheed Martin until retiring in 2010.

During Bill and Kathy’s 52 year marriage they were blessed with 7 children: Deon (Matthew) Seng, Tina Mackley, Suzanne (Michael) Seng, Angela (Jeff) Pickard, Megan (David) Claughton, Tessa (Michael) Carnegie, Chad (Jessica) Mackley and 32 grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his Father, Mother, and sister Lawana Hamblin.

Bill was a beloved and active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. He served this community in many capacities with most of his time working in the Scouts and Young Men’s programs. His many hobbies also included hiking, camping, fishing, hunting, gardening, and spoiling his many grandchildren. His family knew him as a storyteller and jokester. His stories were long and winding with many embellishments and lots of attention to detail. Over the years he shared this knowledge and love of the outdoors and telling stories with his children and grandchildren.

Above all, Bill was a hard-working man who enjoyed taking care of his loved ones and his community. He taught us all the love of service, the joy of a job well done, and that family always comes first. He will be greatly missed by his family, friends, and community.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the LDS General Missionary Fund at https://donate.churchofjesuschrist.org or the William Mackley Memorial Fund in support of Bladder Cancer Research at Seattle Cancer Care Alliance. Donations can be made online at https://secure.seattlecca.org/ or sent to Seattle Cancer Care Alliance, PO Box 24385, Seattle, WA 98124-0385. Checks may be made payable to SCCA with indication that they are in Memory of William Mackley.

Arrangements are entrusted to Cook Family Funeral Home on Bainbridge Island, WA