William "Billy" Martin Mackey, age 37 of Naperville, Illinois, passed away on Friday, November 17, 2023.

Billy is survived by his loving parents, Bill and Janice (Martin) Mackey, his sister, Stephanie (Scott) Lambrecht, nephews Brody and Lucas Lambrecht, and brother J.T. (Marty Semrau) Mackey. He is also survived by his grandparents Mac (Luella) Mackey, his uncle Phil (Susan) Mackey, uncle Tom Mackey, aunt Terri (Mitch) Sexton, aunt Mary Dedek, aunt Jennifer (Jim) Spore, uncle Tommy (Johnna) Martin, and his many cousins. He is preceded in death by his grandparents Ronnie (Bonnie) Martin and Aunt Susie Martin.

Born in 1986, Billy had an active childhood filled with sports, adventure and family. He graduated from Waubonsie Valley High School in 2004 with honors and played varsity football and wrestling. He continued his education at Purdue University and Lewis University earning a Bachelor of Science degree. He pursued his dream of working in the aviation industry and became an Air Traffic Controller.

Billy worked hard as an Air Traffic Controller. His first posting was in Fort Wayne, IN. After getting his start there, he was eager to move closer to family and advance his career. He transferred to Chicago Center which is one of the busiest centers in the country and is responsible for safely sequencing and separating flights within in its 90,000 square mile jurisdiction. Billy was passionate about his career and would frequently share insights about his work and share updates on the weather that may impact family.

Billy had two dogs, Lady and Bear, who he loved dearly. He treated Lady like a princess and would often say, "Lady gets everything she wants." Bear was like Velcro and rarely left his side. Billy was known as the treat uncle and would often bring treats to family events for his fur-nephew, Lincoln, who would excitedly greet him because he knew Billy was about to spoil him.

Billy will be fondly remembered by his family for his kindness, sense of humor, and his ability to connect with children. His many younger cousins remember the wrestling matches, ghost houses, and snipe hunts. His nephews simply miss sitting at his side because of the bond he formed with them. His family cherishes these memories.

Visitation will be held from 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM on Friday, November 24, 2023 at Solan-Pruzin Funeral Home, 14 Kennedy Ave. Schererville, IN. A Funeral Mass will be held on Saturday at 10:00 AM directly at St. Maria Goretti, 500 Northgate Drive, Dyer, IN 46311 with Fr. Charles Niblick officiating. Friends may visit with the family at the church from 9:30 AM until time of Mass. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Naperville Area Humane Society or St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.