Paul Wayne Mackie

1934 - 2021

Paul Wayne Mackie
January 17, 1934 - March 3, 2021
Athens, Texas - Funeral services for Paul Mackie, 87, of Athens, are scheduled for Saturday, March 13, at Hannigan Smith Funeral Home in Athens at 11:00 a.m., with Rev. Woody Meredith officiating.
Paul died on March 3, 2021, in Athens following a brief illness.
He was born on January 17, 1934, in Waco to Claude and Lula Mackie. He graduated from Lott High School in 1951. He served in the United States Navy from 1952–1957, spending most of his time on the refueling ship U.S.S. Chemung during the Korean War. After his discharge from the Navy, he returned to Waco and graduated from Baylor University in 1961, earning a degree in Accounting. Paul started his career with Housing and Urban Development in 1962 and worked for them for 23 years until he was offered an opportunity to take early retirement. He then opened his own accounting office and worked with numerous Public Housing Authorities until his retirement in 2012.
Paul married Betty Till on July 13, 1962, and they called Waco, Fort Worth, Mansfield and Athens home over the years. While in Mansfield, he was a founding officer and coach of Mansfield Girls Softball Association. He enjoyed teaching softball skills to young girls and building their confidence on and off the ball field. He was also active with First United Methodist Church of Mansfield, serving on numerous committees and volunteering his time with United Methodist Men. After moving to Athens, Paul and Betty served as Presidents of the Pea Pickers Square and Round Dance Club, the 21 Club, he was active with the Carroll Springs domino group, and volunteered with the Athens Food Pantry. He enjoyed Bob Wills music, dancing, reading, camping, hunting with his son, spending time at his farm, and loved a good fire in the fireplace.
Some of his favorite times were spent with his family, watching his children's sporting events and activities and then transitioned to watching his grandchildren's events. He was also a big fan of Baylor women's basketball.
Paul was predeceased by his parents, brothers Robert, Ed and Nolan Mackie, and sisters Edith Mills and Sallie Tindle.
Survivors include wife of 58 years, Betty; son Darren Mackie and wife Carolyn, of Palestine; daughter Kelley Stidd and husband Scott of Keller; grandson Ryan Mackie and wife Elizabeth of Flower Mound; granddaughters Megan Roan and husband Joe of Keller, Emily Stinson and husband Andrew of Rockwall, and Robyn Culpepper and husband Mitchell of Keller; great grandchildren Henry, Claire and James Mackie.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to either of the following organizations: Athens Food Pantry, 715 E. Corsicana St., Athens, TX 75751, or Usher Syndrome Coalition, 63 Great Rd, Ste 207, Maynard, MA 01754 (www.usher-syndrome.org).