Memorial services will be held at a later date for William B. “Bill” Macey of Papillion, Neb., Tucson, Ariz., and Sidney, B.C., Canada.
Macey, 96, passed away peacefully in his home on the morning of Wednesday, July 12, 2017.
Bill was born Aug. 1, 1920, in Buffalo, N.Y., to Charles and Doris (Bourne) Macey.
Always gregarious, humorous and giving, Bill completed his bachelor’s degree in petroleum engineering in 1942 from New Mexico School of Mines (now New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology). After four years as a flight engineer with the 351st Bomb Group of the U.S. Air Force, he began his successful career with small- and medium-sized oil and gas companies in New Mexico, Texas and Wyoming, rising to the level of president in all of the companies.
In 1970, Bill started his own successful oil and gas exploration company, Macey Mershon Corporation, in Denver, Colo. He received an honorary doctorate in 1984 from New Mexico Tech for his accomplishments, achievements, and dedication to the university.
Perpetually kindhearted, Bill was very philanthropic, especially to his alma mater, New Mexico Tech (NMT). He contributed the majority of the funding for The Macey Performing Arts Center, as well as The Macey Family Children Center, both at NMT in Socorro. He be-lieved in education by establishing The Macey Scholars Program and The Macey Schol-arship, both at NMT, a University of New Mexico Business School scholarship, a UNM alumni scholarship, and a University of Arizona engineering scholarship. He also gave generous amounts to the U of A Heart Center, NMT Golf Course, Stephens College, and Hillsdale College.
An avid golfer, Bill was a previous member of Alto Country Club, Tanoan Country Club and Garden of the Gods Golf Resort, and was a past treasurer/president of Skyline Country Club. Race horses were a passion, and he served as board of directors member/past president of Ruidoso Jockey.
He and his wife, Cheryl, were world travelers, enjoying days at sea, lunch at small bistros in Europe, and dinner under palm trees with Polynesian breezes.
Survivors include his loving and caring wife, Cheryl Pulaski Macey; stepson Collin Schwartz and wife Emily; grandson Thomas Schwartz; daughter Barbara Todd and husband Joseph; granddaughter Sarah Brewer and husband Tyler; sister-in-law Ellen Pulaski; nieces Pam Baker and husband James, and Nancy Hohensee and husband William; nephew Richard Poppenberg; numerous grand-nephews and grand-nieces; several great-grand-nephews and great-grand-nieces; and his four-legged companions Molly and Bailey. He will be terribly missed by all.
He was preceded in death by his parents; wife Jean Mullins Macey; sister Doris Poppenberg; and nephew Macey Poppenberg.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions be made to Performing Art Series, c/o New Mexico Tech, 801 Leroy Place, Socorro, N.M., 87801; Children Center Endowment, c/o New Mexico Tech, 801 Leroy Place, Socorro, N.M., 87801; The Macey Scholars Program, c/o New Mexico Tech, 801 Leroy Place, Socorro, N.M., 87801; or a charity of choice.
Arrangements are under the direction of John A. Gentleman Mortuaries of Bellevue, Neb.
