AC family loses one of its own

Memorial scholarship established after travel ends in tragedy

By RYLEE MOORE

Co-Editor

Saturday, March 18, 2023, Chris Macon, administrative assistant for the communication department and honors program, died of a bilateral pulmonary embolism after the flight from South Africa to the DFW airport.  

Chris went to Cape Town, South Africa with the presidential scholars during spring break. According to Lesley Ingham, honors program chair, he texted her saying “I am having the absolute best time of my life.”

By all accounts, Chris was always smiling. He was at the front of every boat ride, loved learning to play the djembe drum and spending time with all of the students. 

“Chris was remarkably intelligent, kind and talented,” Ingham said. “He shined brightly when he performed on stage for a fundraiser for the Opportunity School, in fact, the crowd went wild when his solo began.”

According to the scholars, Chris was a nurturer at heart. While on the trip to Cape Town, he spent time bonding with and looking out for the students.

“He was at his best when he watched over and enjoyed the students in his program as they toured South Africa,” Ingham said. “He was everyone’s favorite, always smiling, always laughing and always had a twinkle in his eye.” 

Chris was an active student at AC before his time as an administrative assistant. He was involved in Phi Theta Kappa, the national community college honor society, and served as the vice president of service for the PTK chapter. 

After he graduated, he excelled at his administrative assistant position according to Jill Gibson, media, arts and communication chair. 

“More than that, Chris offered a warm and welcoming presence, quietly working behind the scenes to keep everything on track,” Gibson said. “With his sharp wit and his quick sense of humor, Chris fit in seamlessly with colleagues and students alike.”

Chris will be dearly missed by family, friends and colleagues. The family requests that anyone wishing to make contributions make them to the Amarillo College Foundation for the Christopher Macon Memorial Scholarship.