Macky Jay Shackelford passed into Eternal Life on Thursday, October 22, 2026. Born on May 22, 1940, Macky grew up in Marathon and was a member of the First United Methodist Church. He passed at the age of 86 years, 153 days.

Macky was born to Lyndell and Merle Gulihur Shackelford in Brewster County, the youngest of four children. At the time, his father Lyndell was working on the Combs Ranch, and the house Macky was born in was little over a stone’s throw from Ft. Peña Colorado, or as it is now known, The Post.

Macky went to all twelve grades in Marathon, graduating in 1958. He married his sweetheart Marilyn Lee Coe, on July 5, 1958 in Alpine, and they celebrated 67 years together until her passing in October of 2025. Macky found early work on a road-construction crew. About every three weeks, he and his new bride would pack up and move on to the next job. The next few years saw the family grow, move to Alpine and then in 1966 move back to Marathon and purchase Marathon Butane Company. Macky, Marilyn and the boys ran the business together for the next 20+ years.

The propane company sold in the late 1980’s. Macky bought some heavy equipment and began doing dirt work and road work. Within a few years, a life-long dream became reality; Macky and Marilyn bought land close to Big Brushy Canyon, Black Gap, and the Dead Horse Mountains - which quickly became his new passion. He loved the land and worked tirelessly to create a place for family and friends to enjoy. To make it a working ranch, they sold native desert plants and built a network of deer hunters, many of whom return year after year. Again, family came together and helped make these dreams come true.

Anyone who knew Macky would say that he was honest, pleasant and someone who made every attempt to do the right thing. He could fix anything with the bare minimum tools and had a solution no matter what. He worked hard for his family and community. One of the things he was very proud of was helping to create the Friends of the Post, an organization to support and improve this place that was so special to him.

Macky was preceded in death by Marilyn, his loving wife of 67 years; parents Lyndell and Merle Gulihur Shackelford; sisters Lois (Jesse) Farris and Janie (Dewayne) Lindsey, and brother Rowdy (Helen) Shackelford; his nephew Bill Lindsey and a host of special family and friends. He is survived by sons Cary (Shelley); Keith (Carol); Lyndell (Della) and Coe (Tammy) Pratt; eleven grandchildren, twelve great-grandchildren and numerous nephews.

Services are scheduled for 10 a.m. Saturday, November 7th at The Post. In lieu of flowers, friends may honor his memory by donating to Friends of the Post (Venmo is @friendsofthepost, or checks can be mailed to Kelly Springfield, 309 N. 6th St., Marathon, TX 79842.)