David Mack McConkey

David Mack McConkey, age 83, died on February 11 at Spartanburg Regional Health System Hospice House in Spartanburg SC, after a long fight with Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease, and most recently an infection with COVID 19. He is survived by Judith his wife of almost 63 years, daughters Karla Butler and husband Paul of Spartanburg SC, Carol Sperry, and son Kevin and wife Josephine Lee of Chicago. He was blessed with 8 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his sister, Marlene Betzer of Argenta, Illinois. He is preceded in death by his brother Jeffery McConkey of Colorado and his son-in-law Christopher Sperry of Chicago.
Born in Argenta Illinois on January 10, 1938, Dave was the first son, and the middle child to Duane and Ruth McConkey. He loved sports and held many long-standing High School records in basketball. A graduate of the University of Illinois with a degree in Public Health, he received a master’s in health administration from the University of North Carolina.
His career spanned over 40 years and included many accomplishments and recognitions, among them; Illinois Hospital Association President, President of Advocate Good Samaritan Hospital, and created the vision and implementation for Advocate Good Samaritan Wellness Center. He was introduced to the career he loved by his grandfather Lynn McConkey, who sat on the board of directors at Decatur Memorial hospital and thought young David would make a good leader in the field. It was work that he loved doing and was always learning ways to improve the process to help people.
Dave met Judy, the partner, and love of his life, on a blind date. They had a whirlwind romance and married while Dave was finishing undergraduate studies at U of I. They enjoyed a beautiful full life, which included travels around the country and the world. Dave loved running (replaced in later years by biking), tennis, and golf, and would never say no to a chance to pick up a fishing rod, or a shotgun. Together, Dave and Judy created an oasis for their family in Sister Bay Door County. They called it Puckihuddle, an old English word that means a place for friends to gather and exchange ideas. It was Dave’s joy in life to have his family and friends with him at that beautiful home in the woods, enjoying the lake, and each other’s company.
In later years, Dave and Judy loved their home in Naples Florida and found the warm weather suited them. They moved to Spartanburg SC to be near family, as Dave’s illness progressed. It was here that he received loving care from Spartanburg Regional Healthcare System Hospice House and went to be with Jesus.
Dave loved the Lord, Judy, and his family. He was a kind, considerate, loyal, and generous person, who lit up a room with his smile and a joke or two. We are all better for knowing him. Due to the Pandemic, the family will be gathering to remember him later. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Spartanburg Regional Healthcare System Hospice House or Alzheimer’s Association.