It is with great sadness to announce that Bennie Lee Pickrell passed away on September 02, 2023. Bennie shared a beautiful love story with his wife Linda, and they were a true example of a loving and committed marriage. Bennie was a proud Texan, born on December 25, 1937, to Sony and Ferol Pickrell in Littlefield, where he spent most of his life. He loved his family, the Marine Corps, the Wildcats, the Masonic Lodge, golf, running marathons, and snow skiing.
Bennie joined the Marine Corps in 1956 and served as an artillery crewman, boxer, and football player for the Marine Corps football team at Camp Pendleton, CA. After being honorably discharged in 1959, he returned to West Texas, where he met the love of his life, Linda. They got married on August 30, 1963, and had three children together. Although they lost their daughter Sasha soon after birth, they were blessed with two sons, Shawn and Shea, and raised their niece, Tonya, as their own daughter. Bennie was a proud grandfather to five grandsons and a granddaughter. He loved spending time with his family and traveling across the United States with them. During the summer months, they often went to Lake City, Colorado, and Ruidoso where he trained for marathons by running up and down the mountains. Bennie was an avid runner, completing multiple marathons, and was a qualifier for the Boston Marathon several times. In the winter, Bennie and his family enjoyed snow skiing in Ruidoso or Taos, New Mexico.
Bennie was a member of the Masonic Lodge in Littlefield and loved being able to contribute to the community. He was an avid golfer and a devoted fan of the Wildcats football team, attending every home and away game with Linda. Sundays were reserved for church, where he, Linda, and their boys would attend the Crescent Park Church of Christ.
Bennie was known for his kindness and generosity, always willing to help a friend or a stranger in need. He treated his children's friends like family and was a father figure to many. He had many close friends and was loved by all who knew him.
Bennie is survived by his wife, Linda, daughter Tonya and husband Mitch, sons Shawn and wife Kimberly and Shea and wife Kimothy, and grandchildren, Justin, Jaci, Josh, Dakota, Damian McKenna, Kimberlin McKenna, Cole, and JP. His family and friends will miss him dearly.
A celebration of Bennie's life will be held on Friday, September 08, 2023, at 1:00 PM at the First Baptist Church in Littlefield. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Littlefield Masonic Lodge or other local charities. Arrangements are under the personal care of Hillcrest Funeral Home in Littlefield.