Bradford (Brad)

Lee Mackey

Bradford "Brad" Lee Mackey, 77, passed away at Hospice of Wichita Falls on May 21, 2024, surrounded by his family. He was born to Charlotte and John Mackey, Sr. on September 23, 1946, in Odessa, Texas.

Brad was a proud 1965 graduate of Wichita Falls High School, where he ran track and was the district champion in the 440-yard run. After high school, he became skilled at skeet shooting and was a member of the Wichita Falls Trap and Skeet Club for many years. For five summers, Brad worked as a wrangler on the Philmont Scout Ranch in Cimarron, New Mexico. He loved going to rodeos, golfing, and riding his Harley. Brad also had a great passion for photography and would take pictures of anything and everything he found interesting or beautiful.

Brad married the love of his life and his best friend, Shelly, in January of 1988.

He built a decades-long career with Wal-Mart prior to his medical retirement in 2018. If it were his decision, he would have worked at Wal-Mart his entire life. A main driver for his love of his career was the enjoyment he got from working with hundreds of employees that he loved like family.  Brad was often known to help employees who fell upon hard times.

After retirement, Brad avidly adored many things, including good food and great wine. He never missed a chance to set sail with Shelly on the many cruises they enjoyed throughout their marriage. Not to be forgotten are the other loves of his life that Brad leaves behind, his pups:  Oliver, Annie, Baxter, Ella, and his lap buddy, Otis.

Brad instilled invaluable principles in his children and family. He felt you should love everyone you meet; welcome everyone to the dinner table; and don't take life too seriously.

Brad is survived by his wife, Shelly, and his children, Becky Bradford, Gail Lancaster, Sara (Christopher) Peterson, Susan (Kenny) Flaharity, Christina Stanley, and Michael (Alyssa) Johnston. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Troy (Michaela), Dylan, Hunter (Brendon), Landen, Jaden, Nyla, Abby, Jack, and Jacob. He is also survived by his great-grandchildren, Silas, Wesley, and Owen; his brother and sister-in-law, John and Nancy Mackey of Salado, Texas, and many nieces and nephews.

The family would like to express immense gratitude to the staff and volunteers at Hospice of Wichita Falls, especially to Tim, who made Brad feel loved and cared for during a difficult time. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in memory of Brad to Hospice of Wichita Falls.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, June 1, 2024, at 1:00 p.m. at Hospice of Wichita Falls located at 4909 Johnson Road Wichita Falls, TX 76310. (The Dillard Family Meeting Center) If you knew Brad, then you know his love of Hawaiian shirts. The family will be wearing Hawaiian shirts and would love for his friends attending to feel free to do the same! Following the Celebration of Life, friends are welcome to stay and enjoy sharing stories and memories with the family.