Michael Acey

Michael R. Acey, 67, of Halifax, passed away peacefully surrounded by his loved ones on May 30, 2022, at Penn State Hershey Medical Center.

He was born on June 9, 1954 in Fort McPherson, GA. He was the son of the late Paul R. and Peggy Steele (Morgan) Acey.

Michael enlisted in the US Navy and served from 1972 - 1980. He was a Second Class Boatswain Mate (E-5). He was responsible for management of ship's deck force, which incudes supply, maintenance, inventory, and staffing. He received an Honorable Discharge.

He retired as a Lieutenant from the Criminal Investigation Division at the Hinds County Sheriff's Department with 12 years of service. He was the first K-9 handler with the Mississippi State Fire Marshall's Office from 1992 - 1996. From '96 to November of '04 he served in the office of the Mississippi State Auditor. Upon moving to PA in '04 he joined the team at Hornungs True Value Hardware.

Michael had a passion for the game of baseball. He coached and mentored many men in Mississippi and Pennsylvania for 39 years. As one tribute stated, Coach Acey "literally had line chalk and infield dirt running through his veins."

He is survived by his loving wife of 16 years, Lisa A. (Stepanski) Acey of Halifax, his daughter Wendi Acey-Seeman and her husband Mike of Oviedo, FL, daughter Brandi D. Acey of Oviedo, FL, daughter Christina A. Foster and her husband Jacob of Brandon, MS, and son Joshua John Paul Acey and his wife Alicia R. of Puckett, MS.

He was known as "Papaw" to his ten grandchildren Logan, John Paul, Lucas Michael, Jaxson, Easton, Caden Jack, Campbell, Vivian Steele, Harper, and Ella James.

He is also survived by his sister Pamela A. Sudderth and her husband Alan of Summerfield, NC, brother Stan Acey and his wife Elisa of Jackson, MS, brother Timothy Acey and his wife Paige of Terry, MS, mother-in-law Lorene Stepanski of Halifax, brother-in-law Keith Stepanski and his wife Libby of Carlisle, and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents Paul and Peggy Acey and his younger brother Gary.

A memorial visitation is being scheduled at Ott and Lee Funeral Home in Brandon, MS on June 26, 2022 from 1:00 - 4:00 PM.

A time of honor and celebration will be held on June 29, 2022 at the Halifax Community Baseball Field. Friends are invited to gather beginning at 6:30 pm to greet the family. An opening prayer and military honors will begin at 7:00 pm followed by a time of remembrance and sharing while players take the field in memory of Michael. The evening will conclude with a family thank you and some favorite songs.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made in memory of Mike Acey to The Lion Foundation, 340 N. 21st Street, Camp Hill, PA 17011, www.thelionfoundatation.org or to the Halifax Youth Baseball League, PO Box 52, Halifax, PA 17032, www.halifaxmba.web@gmail.com.