Hill Mackey sworn in as Lee County Coroner

LEESBURG — Hill Mackey, who has served as deputy coroner since December of 2000, was sworn in as Lee County coroner recently.

Mackey replaces Ronald Rowe, who served as the county’s coroner for nearly 16 years.

Mackey’s appointment came through the authority of Lee County Probate Judge Melanie Gahring. He will serve out Rowe’s elected term through 2020, at which time Lee County voters will have the opportunity to vote on who fills that position.

County Co-Manager Christi Dockery said the Lee County Board of Commissioners plans to present Rowe a plaque and special recognition for his years of service at its meeting Tuesday.

Rowe was involved in a fatal car accident on Philema Road in Lee County earlier this year. He was traveling south when 17-year-old Lee County High School student Anne Marie Eubanks, who was heading north, collided head-on with Rowe’s vehicle, resulting in her death. Rowe and his passenger, Johnny Willis, suffered serious injuries in the crash.

On Wednesday, Rowe said he retired from his position due to health reasons.

Mackey is a Dawson native who said he moved around a bit as a youngster due to his step-father’s government work. He graduated from the Seoul American High School, in Seoul, South Korea.

Mackey later returned to his Southwest Georgia roots and has lived in Lee County since 1999.

Mackey said he is a member of Gillionville Baptist Church. He has been married for 28 years and has four children and a grandson.

The Lee coroner’s new position is one that has had a major impact on his family. Mackey said he is a fifth-generation coroner. To keep certification needed to do his job, Mackey said he must complete state-mandated training every year.

After serving as deputy coroner for 17 years, Mackey said he values and understands the critical role of the position when it comes to determining time and cause of death. He also said he is sensitive to the needs of families and to the community whenever a death occurs.

Mackey admits serving as coroner can often be an emotionally difficult job.

“It goes beyond identifying bodies and conducting exams,” he said. “We console the families and try to give them peace of mind. Other than determining cause of death, good or bad, the family and loved ones want answers. Some have been sick for a long time, and the families know it, but when death comes, they are shocked and hurt. We try to ease that pain to a certain degree.”