Long-time Fla. Democrat Red Lackey dies at 93

Charlotte Sun - Feb. 26, 2008

Red Lackey, a former Punta Gorda resident and a long-time member of the Florida Democratic Party , died today in Ormond Beach at 93.

Lackey was the oldest national convention delegate at the 2004 Democratic Convention when he was 90.

"He rarely missed a Democratic Party event, and he always stood out in a crowd with his famous homemade donkey hat," Democratic Party chairwoman Karen Thurman said in an e-mail today.

She said he embodied the term "Yellow Dog Democrat.

"On behalf of the Florida Democratic Party and Democrats everywhere, I wish to express our deepest condolences and best wishes to Red Lackey's family,:" she said. "To say we'll miss him is a grand understatement."

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Party Mourns Loss of Florida Dem Icon "Red" Lackey

'04's Oldest National Convention Delegate Passes at Age of 93

For Immediate Release: February 26, 2008

TALLAHASSEE - Florida Democratic Party Chair Karen Thurman issued the following statement today on the life of Florida Democratic icon E. G. "Red" Lackey of Ormond Beach:

"Through his many years of committed activism, Red Lackey earned the respect and affection of Democrats of all ages and from every corner of the state. No job was too big or too small for Red if it helped elect Democrats. He worked so hard and touched so many lives over the years.

"He rarely missed a Democratic Party event, and he always stood out in a crowd with his famous homemade donkey hat. At the young age of 90, Red Lackey was the oldest delegate to attend the 2004 Democratic National Convention. He embodied the term 'Yellow Dog Democrat.'

"Last year, I had the honor and privilege of attending his 93^rd birthday party, where I met his wonderful family and close friends. A natural story-teller, it was clear that Red truly lived a full life.

"On behalf of the Florida Democratic Party and Democrats everywhere, I wish to express our deepest condolences and best wishes to Red Lackey's family. To say we'll miss him is a grand understatement."