Mackie Gordon Altman, Jr.

Mackie Gordon Altman Jr., 78, of Pawleys Island, South Carolina, passed away peacefully on April 12 at Georgetown Community Hospital. Born March 25, 1948, he was the son of the late Mackie and Mildred Altman.

Mackie was the oldest of six children and a lifelong resident of Pawleys Island. From an early age, he helped care for his siblings while working in the family’s businesses. He grew up fishing and shrimping, developing a deep connection to the water that would shape his life and career. As a child, he loved history—especially the stories of Francis Marion—and proudly took on the role of the “Swamp Fox.”

He graduated from Winyah High School and attended Coastal Carolina University. In 1966, he married his high school sweetheart and the love of his life, Dolly Altman, beginning a lifelong partnership built on love, dedication, and family.

Mackie began his career working in the family business and briefly at the paper mill before returning to his true passion—the seafood industry. Through hard work and determination, he built a respected name for himself. By the late 1970s and early 1980s, he was supplying seafood along the eastern seaboard, with much of his catch making its way to the renowned Fulton Fish Market in New York, passing through his dock in Georgetown. 

He later became an influential member of the South Atlantic Fisheries Management Council in the 1980s and early 1990s. In this role, he traveled to Washington, D.C., where he spoke before Congress on behalf of fishing vessel owners, fishermen, and others whose livelihoods depended on the industry. He was a strong advocate for preserving pelagic fisheries in South Carolina, and the impact of his work continues today. 

In the early 1990s, Mackie earned his real estate license and quickly became known for his integrity and dedication. His slogan, “Mackie Altman knows real estate,” reflected both his expertise and his commitment to his clients. Whether helping someone purchase a modest piece of property or a multimillion-dollar estate, he gave each transaction the same level of care and attention. Over the years, he served as broker and owner of several companies, most recently Pawleys Seaside Realty.

Beyond his professional life, Mackie was a true craftsman and lifelong learner. He loved building with his hands—creating decks, fences, porches, trellises, and beautifully crafted wooden bowls. He cherished time spent making tables alongside his grandchildren and great-grandchildren and was known for baking pound cakes for special family occasions. His curiosity led him to learn blacksmithing, beekeeping, and even the art of making beer, wine, and spirits. He never stopped learning.

Mackie also had a deep love for travel, especially when shared with family and friends. He drove across the United States multiple times, always eager to share the history of each place along the way—from battles fought to crops grown. While he traveled internationally, he most enjoyed exploring the backroads and small towns that make up the heart of America.

Above all, Mackie’s greatest accomplishment was his devotion to his family. He gave his whole heart to those he loved, always making time to listen, support, and guide. There was never any doubt that family came first.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Dolly Altman; his daughter, Donna Altman (Brian Seley); his daughter-in-law, Summer Altman; his grandchildren, Cody Watson (Allison), Anna Louise Altman, and Henry Altman; and his great-grandchildren, Noah Watson and Robert Mackie Watson (“Beau”). He is also survived by his siblings, Buddy Altman (Jenny), Rocky Altman (Joyce), and Debra Walker (Dean Jenkins), along with numerous nieces, nephews, extended family members, colleagues, and dear friends. 

He was preceded in death by his son, Mackie Gordon Altman III, as well as his brothers, Tim Altman and Pete Altman. We take comfort in knowing they were there to welcome him home.

A celebration of Mackie’s life will be held Sunday, April 26, 2026, at 3:30 p.m. at Christ the King Fellowship Hall, 9630 Ocean Highway, Pawleys Island, South Carolina. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Mackie G. Altman III Life Time Garden. Checks may be made payable to Summer Altman’s Life Skills Class; please include “Life Time Garden” in the memo line. Contributions may be mailed to Waccamaw High School, 2412 Kings River Road, Pawleys Island, SC 29585, Attn: Summer Altman.

Online condolences may be left at www.ridgewayfh.com

Ridgeway Funeral Home of Georgetown is in charge of the arrangements. (843) 485-4242