Buddy Mackey

Buddy Mackey was born to Opal Lavada Tompkins and Elum Mackey on June 17, 1930, in Wynnewood, OK. He passed this life on January 24, 2022, at the Norman Veteran’s Center in Norman, OK, at the age of 91. Buddy was preceded in death by his wife, Beverly Neal Mackey, his mother, Opal Lavada Tompkins Heath, his father, Elum Mackey, and his sister, Ollie Jo Mackey Patton. He is survived by his daughters Jo Renee’ Myler, Mickie Grimmett, and her husband, Brent Grimmett. Buddy was Grandad/Paw Paw to Brian Hilburn, Angie Grimmett, Buddy Hilburn, Beth Grimmett-Tankersley, Tyler Grimmett, and Britany North-Smith. Buddy leaves behind seven great-grandchildren, and adored cousins, nieces and nephews. Buddy graduated from Wynnewood High School, and after coaxing from his mother, she enlisted him in the United States Navy. Serving from 1950-1955, Buddy was stationed in San Diego, CA and Honolulu, HI. Following his honorable discharge from the U.S. Navy, Buddy returned to Wynnewood. It was then that he met Beverly Diane Neal. They married in 1955, and though he desired sons, his two daughters, Jo Renee’ and Mickie Diane were born. Buddy began working at Kerr McGee Refinery, where he would remain for thirty years. Buddy loved nature! He learned the art of gardening and farming from his parents. He could make anything grow and was known for his beautiful roses. Buddy loved bird hunting and fishing. He especially enjoyed fishing on Lake Arbuckle. He knew where to find the fish and how to catch them. His stringer was always full! Buddy loved all things cowboy. He loved horses… riding them, raising them, racing them, and betting on them. He enjoyed a pair of custom made cowboy boots, a stellar cowboy hat, as well as crisply starched, monogrammed shirts and jeans. Buddy was a proud member of the Choctaw Nation. He enjoyed learning about his Indian ancestry and participating in tribal events. An active member of the Masonic Lodge for sixty years, Buddy served and supported local chapters and held state offices. In Pauls Valley he served as Worshipful Master, Senior Deacon, and Secretary. He held the offices of Deputy Grand Lecturer and District Deputy Grand Master for Grand Lodge of Oklahoma. Buddy was a member of the United Methodist Church of Pauls Valley. Buddy will be remembered for the love and care he gave his wife, Beverly, during her two-year battle with ALS. The family will miss his mischievous laugh, his ornery grin, and his long-winded stories. There will be a celebration of his life in the spring, at Lake Arbuckle, with fishing and the telling of favorite Buddy stories. To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Buddy Mackey please visit our Sympathy Store.