Benford Brown Mackey

ARLINGTON -- Benford Brown "Ben" Mackey, 87, passed away on Friday, April 4, 2014, in Arlington. Graveside service: 12:30 p.m. Wednesday in Dallas-Fort Worth National Cemetery, Dallas, Lane C, with Brother Andy Wolfskill officiating. Visitation: 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday at Wade Family Funeral Home. Memorials: In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the American Heart Association, the Alzheimer's Foundation of America or Mission Arlington. Ben was born in Mexia on Sept. 3, 1926, to John Walter Mackey and Fannie Ward Mackey. He grew up in a family of 12 children. Ben served in the U.S. Navy during World War II. He graduated from the University of North Texas (M.S. in mathematics). He worked as a programmer/analyst in simulation for Ling-Temco-Vought (LTV) Aerospace for 35 years. Ben was a family man who enjoyed being outdoors, gardening and fishing. He also enjoyed the challenge of strategy games like 42 dominoes. He was preceded in death by his parents; four brothers and three sisters. Survivors: Devoted wife of 64 years, Pearl Mackey; son, Michael Mackey of Arlington; daughters, Nancy Wolff and husband, Steve, of Arlington, Cheryl Jackson and husband, Myron, of Euless; grandchildren, Michelle Ekrut, Kristyn Rylander, Williams Wolff; great-grandchildren, Caleb Ekrut and James Rylander; sisters, Johnnie Chism, Fran Curlee, Donna Pummill and Austine Kenner.