Macey, William B.
William B. “Bill” Macey, 96 of Papillion, NE; Tucson, AZ; and Sidney, BC Canada passed away peacefully in his home on the morning of July 12, 2017. Bill was born in Buffalo, NY on August 1, 1920 to parents Charles and Doris (Bourne)Macey. Always gregarious, humorous & giving Bill completed his bachelor’s degree in petroleum engineering in 1942 from New Mexico School of Mines (now New Mexico Institute of Mining & Technology). After his 4 years as flight engineer with the 351st Bomb Group of the U.S. Air Force he began his successful career with small & medium sized oil & gas companies in New Mexico, Texas & Wyoming rising to the level of president in all of the companies. In 1970 he started his own successful oil & gas exploration company, Macey Mershon Corp., in Denver, CO. He received an honorary doctorate in 1984 from New Mexico Tech for his accomplishments, achievements & dedication to the university.
Perpetually kind-hearted, he 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, NM. He believed in education by establishing The Macey Scholars Program and The Macey Scholarship both at NMT, a University of New Mexico (UNM) Business School Scholarship, a UNM Alumni Scholarship, and a University of Arizona (U of A) Engineering Scholarship. He also gave generous amounts to U of A Heart Center, NMT Golf Course, Stephens College, and Hillsdale College.
An avid golfer he was a previous member of Alto Country Club, Tanoan Country Club, Garden of the Gods Golf Resort, and pasttreasurer /pastpresident of Skyline Country Club. Race horses were a passion and he served as board of director/ past president of Ruidoso Jockey. He and Cheryl were world travelers, enjoying days at sea, lunch at small bistros in Europe, and dinner under palm trees with Polynesian breezes.
Survived by his loving and caring wife Cheryl Pulaski Macey; stepson Collin (Emily) Schwartz; grandson Thomas Schwartz; daughter Barbara (Joseph) Todd; granddaughter Sarah (Tyler) Brewer; sisterin-law Ellen Pulaski; nieces Pam (James) Baker and Nancy (William) Hohensee; nephew Richard Poppenberg; numerous grand-nephews and grandnieces; several greatgrand-nephews and great grand-nieces; and his fourlegged companions—Molly and Bailey. He will be terribly missed by all.
Preceded in death by his parents; his wife Jean Mullins Macey; sister Doris Poppenberg; nephew Macey Poppenberg.
In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to: Performing Art Series, New Mexico Tech, 801 Leroy Place, Socorro, NM 87801; Children Center Endowment, New Mexico Tech, 801 Leroy Place, Socorro, NM 87801; The Macey Scholars Program, New Mexico Tech, 801 Leroy Place, Socorro, NM 87801; Or the charity of your choice.
A memorial service will be held at a later date. John A. Gentleman Mortuaries Bellevue/Sarpy County Chapel 3402 Samson Way,
Bellevue, NE