John "Johnny" Gilbert Lacey Jr.

John Gilbert “Johnny” Lacey, Jr., of Clements, MD, passed away at home on August 31, 2026, surrounded by his family. Born on August 18, 1953, in Leonardtown, MD, he was the son of the late John and Anita Lacey.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his oldest brother, Robert Samuel “Bobby” Bowles, as well as an infant sister, Brenda Eileen Lacey.

Johnny is survived by his siblings; Agnes Marie Lacey, James Francis Lacey, Mary Virginia Rice, and Barbara Eileen Jones, and his three nieces and one nephew; Brenda Sue Hill, Sarah Jean Springer, Jason William Rice, and Amanda Jean Rice.

Johnny was a lifelong resident of St. Mary’s County, MD, and worked for the State Highway Administration. He spent his childhood working with his parents in the fields raising tobacco, corn, soybeans, and wheat while also tending to a huge garden. Johnny’s favorite hobby was hatching baby ducks and chickens in incubators; he always got so thrilled at how many he could raise. Johnny also enjoyed working closely with his brother doing odd jobs around the farm. You never heard him complain or give up.  He was a trooper in every aspect of his life. Johnny leaves behind his faithful dog, Brutus, who was always by his side.

Johnny enjoyed fishing, crabbing, and oystering with early morning meetings with friends. He was the happiest when the water was calm, the crabbing lines were full, the fish were biting, and oysters were plentiful. You could hear it in his voice while telling his family about his early morning adventures. Johnny found joy in the simple things, especially the quiet hours spent cutting grass.

Johnny also enjoyed attending weekly masses.  He enjoyed seeing his parish family and discussing his weekly activities with them.

The family extends their deepest gratitude to the staff at St. Mary’s Hospital Cancer Care Unit.  Over the last few months, the nurses and doctors became more than caregivers; they became dear friends who provided comfort, laughter, and a second home on Mondays. Johnny formed a deep bond with all of them which brought immense joy and peace during a difficult journey and their kindness will never be forgotten. He looked forward to taking the staff vegetables, breads, and donuts; whatever he could get his hands on he took to those special friends he made.

The family will receive friends on Thursday, September 10, 2026, from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM, with prayers recited at 7:00 PM, in the Mattingley-Gardiner Funeral Home, Leonardtown, MD. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday, September 11, 2026, at 11:00 AM, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Bushwood, MD, with Father Wyble officiating. Interment will follow at the church cemetery.

Serving as pallbearers will be Robert Lacey, Clyde Farrell, Pat Lyon, Andy Nelson, Jason Rice, and Brian Springer. Serving as honorable pallbearers are Peggy and Roger Alvey.

Contributions may be made to the 7^th District Rescue Squad, P.O. Box 7, Avenue, MD 20609 and/or Hospice of St. Mary’s, P.O. Box 625, Leonardtown, MD 20650.

Condolences may be made to the family at www.mgfh.com.

Arrangements provided by the Mattingley-Gardiner Funeral Home and Cremation Services, P.A., Leonardtown, MD.