Byron Daniel Mackey

Mr. Byron D. Mackey of Washington, N.C. entered into eternal rest on July 1, 2023.

“Ye, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for thou art with me, thy rod and thy staff they comfort me” whispered Byron Daniel Mackey as he reached out to take the hand of his Lord and Savior, when He called his name. On that Saturday, July 1, 2023, Byron departed this earthly life and entered a peaceful, richer and more joyous eternal life.

A bouncing baby boy was presented to Connie and Essie Mackey on May 23, 1965. They named him Byron, and in keeping with family tradition gave him the middle name “Daniel” after his paternal grandfather. He was their fourth child, twelve years younger than their baby girl, Valerie. You can only imagine with three teenage siblings and older parents how they all doted on this happy-go-lucky little boy. They all showered him with love and affection and everything else imaginable. He was a bright, friendly, talkative, energetic and outgoing child. He remained that way throughout his entire life. Everyone seemed to love and adore the witty little boy and later the handsome, charming young man.

Byron was born in Brooklyn, New York. When he was two years old, Connie and Essie purchased their first home and moved the family to the Queens suburbs of Cambria Heights, New York. That is where Byron received his public-school education, attending Jackie Robinson-Elementary School and graduating from August Martin-High School in 1982. Growing up, Byron loved to play baseball, bowling and going on long, adventurous bicycle rides throughout the boroughs of New York with his brother-in-law, Ken. He had many friends growing up and remarkably maintained some of those friendships throughout his adult life.

In 1991, Byron met Beth Massey, in Worchester, Massachusetts while working with relatives in the Boston area. Byron and Beth had three children together (Brianna, Sophia and Eva.) He adopted Beth’s two oldest daughters (Margaret and Jessica) and raised them as his own. In 1996, he moved his young family to Washington, North Carolina. It was very important to Byron to raise his children around their grandparents and family members. Byron experienced the blessings of belonging to a close-knit family. He wanted his children to experience the same  kind of unconditional love, pride and support.  As a family man, Byron loved to cook especially on the grill, watch movies and play cards. The activity that he truly loved most was spending time with his grandchildren. The grandkids were crazy about Byron and will miss him dearly.

Byron married his current wife, Denita Parks on December 5, 2017. Denita said she will remember Byron lovingly for his spontaneous personality and for ending each conversation or parting with “I love you”. It was very endearing to her to hear those three words on a regular basis. She said that is the memory she would treasure most about Byron.

Forever cherishing Byron’s memory is his seven children; Shaun, Byron Jr., Margaret, Jessica, Brianna, Sophia, and Eva; his twelve grandchildren; Ja’lyn, Kylieq, Jaila, Aaliyah, Cameron, Jurney, Saniyah, Yuri, Auli, Nymir, Carter and Lucas, his three siblings and their spouses; Deborah (Ken), Derick (Shirley), and Valerie (Allen); a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Preceding him in death was his first wife, Shirley Windley. Waiting to welcome Byron to his eternal resting place was his parents, Connie and Essie Mackey.   

Arrangements have been entrusted to Heavenly Arms Family Mortuary & Cremation Services, 906 W. 15th Street, Washington, NC

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