Kenneth Lackey, the general manager for the CTCO Shipyard of Alabama LLC, died on Monday at his home in Anniston.

Graveside services were held for Lackey, 49, on Thursday, Jan. 29.

Lackey was very instrumental in getting CTCO Shipyard to locate in the Demopolis Airport Industrial Park, and played a leading role in getting the industry set up at the location.

Prior to the industry’s opening, Lackey praised the local people who helped bring the industry to Demopolis.

“The Demopolis Industrial Board and former executive secretary Jay Shows, Demopolis mayor and city council, Marengo County Commission, Marengo County Economic Development Authority, Demopolis Water and Sewer Board, Demopolis Public Works, Marengo County Engineer, Alabama Power and Norfolk Southern all worked together to make this a reality,” he told The Demopolis Times on Dec. 23.

“I really didn’t know Kenneth that well,” said Demopolis mayor Mike Grayson. “We probably talked about 10 times at best, but it was an absolute shock to hear about that. He was a really nice guy, and I enjoyed being around him in the limited time that it was. I was really looking forward to working with him as he built CTCO.”

“The untimely passing of Kenneth Lackey seems unreal,” said Debra M. Fox, executive director of the Marengo County Economic Development Agency. “Great changes have occurred at the CTCO site over the past several months. We were discussing details and walking the rail spur just a few days ago.

“He was a craftsman who genuinely enjoyed his trade. He took great pride in being an employee of the CTC0 Companies and talked often about the high standards of quality set by the owner.

“Kenneth loved his work, but his love of family was also apparent,” she said. “ I met his wife and children on several occasions over the summer. My sympathies and I know those of everyone associated with this project go out to them during this time of loss.

Lackey is survived by his wife, Tawana Lackey; two sons, Eason Lackey and Zachary Lackey; a daughter, Geneva Lackey; his parents, Ed and Virginia Lackey; and a brother, James Lackey. He was preceded in death by his mother, Geneva Lackey.