Christopher Jeremiah Macon

Chris Macon.

How can you describe him?  Protector. Kind. Gentle. Ray of light. Made people feel seen and heard. Beautiful and warm smile. Best giver of hugs. Giant heart. Joy. Incredible. Genuine. Great friend. Caring. Wonderful smile. Shining light. Kindest human. The feeling of love, warmth, and happiness. Heart of pure goodness. These are only some of the things that describe this gentle and beautiful soul.

Christopher Jeremiah Macon, 25, of Amarillo, Texas, passed away on Saturday, March 18, 2023.

Chris was born on April 24, 1997, to Denise Macon in Gainsville, Florida. Chris was involved in theatre, student council, and volunteer work in high school. He was a Superintendent Scholar at Tascosa High School from 2011 through 2015. He also won the National Congressional Youth and Leadership Council Award for Academic Achievement and Leadership Ability. After graduating from Tascosa High School in 2015, he studied psychology at Amarillo College, enrolling alongside his mother, who majored in education. While at AC, Chris was active in Phi Theta Kappa, the national community college honor society, and was vice president of service for the AC PTK chapter.

Chris continued his love of theatre at AC by performing in MacBeth and other plays and musicals. He also kept up his high standards of academic excellence. Chris was nominated for numerous honors, including being selected as one of two representatives for the prestigious All-Texas Academic Team. He graduated from Amarillo College in 2017 with the highest honors and was inducted into the Who's Who Among Students in American Universities and Colleges.

Chris completed his bachelor's in psychology in 2019 with a 4.0 cumulative GPA, graduating magna cum laude. Next, Chris transferred to Stephen F. Austin University in Nacogdoches, Texas. Denise, who had also graduated from AC, moved there as well, but she lived in an apartment while Chris lived in the dorms.

After graduation, Chris returned to AC and began working on campus. He held many roles and, at the time of his death, worked full-time for the Amarillo College Presidential Scholars and the Media, Arts and Communication department. Chris' colleagues say he always kept their worlds running smoothly. More than that, Chris offered a warm and welcoming presence, quietly working behind the scenes to keep everything on track. With his sharp wit and quick humor, Chris fit in seamlessly with colleagues and students.

Chris's final adventure involved traveling with the Presidential Scholars to Cape Town, South Africa, where everyone benefited from Chris' quiet servant leadership. He befriended every student, ensuring that no one ever felt left out. Students described Chris as "the coolest adult" and admired his ability to play the djembe, an African drum. Fellow travelers say he smiled the whole time and texted home, "I am having the absolute best time of my life." Even with the thrill of his first time traveling overseas, Chris made time to call his mother and sister and share his joy and excitement. His family played an essential role in every aspect of his life.

Chris, Denise, and Gabby were a universe of three—always together. Whether collecting library cards or speaking in silly accents in Walmart, the three found ways to make each day fun. Chris looked after Denise and Gabby, helping them with homework and reminding his mother to care for her health. Denise describes Chris as her inspiration and motivation, saying she has no idea how lucky she got. When other people complained about their rebellious offspring, Denise said she couldn't relate.

Chris is preceded in death by his great-grandmother, Essie Lee Brown. Chris is survived by his mother, Denise Macon, his sister, Gabby, his grandmother, and a host of uncles, aunts, and cousins.

Services will be held at First Christian Church, 3001 Wolflin Avenue, on March 29, 2023, at 11:00 am. Instead of flowers, the family requests donations to Amarillo College Foundation for the Christopher Macon Memorial Scholarship.