Joe McKay Ansley

FORT WORTH - Joe McKay Ansley, Jr., passed away Nov. 4, 2023, after a lengthy illness.
Born May 22, 1932, to Hazel Council and Joe McKay "Mac" Ansley in Americus, Georgia, Joe's life was shaped by his years of growing up in a small town. Hunting, fishing, and Eagle Scouting were lifelong experiences. Joe earned his Eagle Scout in 1948 and held the honor of the most badges in his hometown until a young Scout achieved that honor in the mid-1980s. His family road construction business influenced his love of building and woodworking hobbies.
A graduate of Georgia Tech with a degree in engineering, he was a member of Sigma Alpha Epsilon Fraternity, numerous professional engineering organizations and a lifelong member of the Methodist Church. He served in the U.S. Air Force and later the Air Force Reserve for many years with memorable experiences. Always energetic and filled with a sense of humor, Joe met his wife, Barbara Donehoo of Houston, on a blind date. He and Barbara married in 1954 and spent 69 years together living in various locations including Fort Worth. Joe retired from the U.S. Government in 1994 after a career with the Department of Housing and Urban Development and the U.S. Department of Labor. His Housing and Urban Development years included projects for the Apache, Navajo and Pueblo tribes in New Mexico while his Labor Department service was in manufacturing and plant safety with OSHA.
He and Barbara spent their active retirement years in Tyler before returning to Fort Worth to be closer to family.
Joe is survived by his wife, Barbara; daughters, Sally Prater and husband, Paul of Fort Worth, Andrea Runnells and husband, Dan of Castle Rock, Colorado; four grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren.
A private memorial service will be held at Greenwood Chapel, with interment at the Tyler Memorial Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, friends may donate to the Parkinson's Foundation or a favorite charity.