Sherman, Texas -- Beryl Floyd Mackey was born December 8, 1934, in Albany, Oklahoma, the ninth and final child of Littell Joshua and Ara Delphia Mackey. Beryl passed away peacefully into eternal rest at the age of 90 on May 9, 1934.

Beryl was a devoted son, brother, husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, uncle, Christ follower, church elder, charter member of Dewey Avenue Church of Christ, public school administrator, outdoorsman, and farmer throughout his life.

Beryl was a pillar of the Sherman, Texas community for almost 70 years, and lived a life of service, faith, patience, humor, kindness, and love.

Beryl graduated from Albany, Oklahoma High School, Southeastern Oklahoma State University, and East Texas State University with master's and doctorate degrees. He married his beloved Barbara in 1955, and together they built a remarkable 67-year partnership filled with devotion and shared values. Their love was a cornerstone for their family and an inspiration to all who knew them.

Beryl dedicated 32 years as a public-school administrator (all except the first year were as a part of the Sherman, Texas ISD), shaping countless lives with his wisdom, fairness, and commitment to excellence. His leadership left an indelible mark culminating with being Assistant Superintendent and Superintendent of Sherman ISD in the 1970s and 1980s before retiring from public service.

Beryl was respected and admired by colleagues, students, and families alike, including putting into place new curriculum from math to English, and volunteering to work with bringing together the Frederick Douglass ISD and Sherman ISD during the 1960s.

A faithful servant of God, Beryl served as a church elder at Dewey Avenue / Park Avenue Church of Christ for many years, guiding his congregation with compassion and steadfast faith. His spiritual leadership touched the hearts of many, fostering a legacy of kindness and community.

An avid farmer and outdoorsman, Beryl found joy in working the land and embracing the beauty of nature. Whether tending his crops, hunting, or fishing, he shared his passion for the outdoors with his children and grandchildren, teaching them to cherish the simple pleasures of life.

Beryl was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Barbara, and survived by his children, Eric and wife Nancy, and Laurie and husband David; his 6 grandchildren (Danielle, Chase, Summer, Matthew, Adam, and Joel), his 14 great-grandchildren, and a wide circle of extended family, believers and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents Little and Ara, and eight siblings (Robert, Charlie, Mabel, Joyce, Mary, Pauline, Juanita, and LJ).

A celebration of Beryl’s life will be held at Parkview Church of Christ in Sherman, Texas in Sherman, Texas, Friday, May 16 at 11:00 a.m. Visitation will take place Thursday, May 15 at Waldo Funeral Home from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. Flowers can be sent, or in lieu of flowers, the family requests donations Sherman Education Foundation at 2701 N. Loy Lake Rd, Sherman, TX 75090 or kbickerstaff@shermanisd.net.

Beryl’s legacy of love, service, and faith will live on in the hearts of all who knew him. May he rest in eternal peace.

“Well done, good and faithful servant” (Matthew 25:23).