JOHNNIE NEIL ‘JOHN’ MACKEY JR.

Johnnie Neil “John” Mackey Jr., of Hewitt, passed away Friday, March 27, 2020, at age 56.

Graveside services, (private - family only, due to the current health crisis), were held at 2 p.m. on Thursday, April 2, at Wortham Cemetery, with Wayne Cotton officiating.

Johnnie was born Dec. 15, 1963, to Johnnie Neil Mackey Sr. and Nelda Mae Hutchison Mackey, in Spokane, Wash., where his dad was stationed in the Air Force. The family moved many times through the years while he was growing up, until their move to the Mexia area in 1981. John graduated from Mexia High School in 1982, and then took Business Management courses at Navarro College.

Earlier in his life he worked at a chemical plant in the Houston area for 19 years.

John met his future wife, Connie, at a dance in Houston, and they each fell in love at first sight during the song, “Keeper of the Stars.” John and Connie Lynn Wehling were married Sept. 17, 2000, in Las Vegas. After they were completely flooded out during Hurricane Harvey, they decided to move closer to his Mom and chose to live in Hewitt. John went to work for Fed Ex a year and a half ago, as a warehouse sorter in Hewitt, and although the work was challenging and sent him home tired each day, he truly loved the job. He had worked various jobs since a teenager, and this was the job he enjoyed most.

John became better known as Johnnie in the past few years. He was a JOKER. His posts on Facebook made many people laugh and respond to his humor. His hobbies included collecting shot glasses, which he had acquired from all over or had given to him from all the places the family had traveled. He also collected many duck items, from brass ducks to pictures on coasters and other items. Connie got him hooked on antiquing and estate sales.

Johnnie had a special closeness with his Aunt Jean Mackey Shelby. She came to their apartment in Washington when he was born, as she lived the closest. She took him in her arms the minute his mother walked in the door with him, and it was like he was her own baby. They remained close all his life.

John loved the Lord. He and Connie attended First Baptist Church in Woodway, and he really enjoyed Sunday school and worship services, and they were planning to become members. Their church family has been so kind to Connie during her loss.

Johnnie was preceded in death by his father, Johnnie Neil Mackey Sr. (2013); paternal grandparents, John W and Bessie Mackey; and maternal grandparents, Jessie and Lucille Helpenstill.

He is survived by his wife, Connie Mackey, of Hewitt; his mother, Nelda Mackey, of Mexia; daughter Leeanna DeGraff, of Waco; daughter and son-in-law, Britnee and James Henson, of Jasper; son Richard Mazac and fiancée Tiffany Mackey, of Lorena; and son Johnnie Neil Mackey III, of Arkansas; sister and brother-in-law, Suzanne and Mike Wilson, of Mexia; grandchildren Sapphire Sky DeGraff, of Hewitt, Bob Henson, Abby Henson and David Henson, all of Jasper, Wyatt Mackey, J.W. Mackey, and Tertius Mackey, all of Lorena; aunt Jean Shelby, of Baytown; and many other extended family.