Benny Wade Parkey, 63, of Krum, Texas, passed away Saturday July 2, 2016. Benny was the youngest son of Jack Wade Parkey and Gloria Alfreda Perry Parkey. He is preceded in death by his parents and his nephew Jeffrey Legg. Benny is preceded in death by his wife, Deborah Kay Reynolds Parkey. Benny and Debbie shared 41 years of marriage. Benny is survived by his son, Eric Wade Parkey and his fiancé, Neitha Eaton and her son, Vince. Benny is also survived by Robert Wade Parkey and his wife Nancy of Coppell and a sister, Barbara Legg and her husband, Max of Garland. In-laws include Cynthia Blankenship and her husband, Gary of Colleyville and Damon Reynolds and his wife, Traci of Valley View,Jackie Beall and her husband, Joe of Krum and David Reynolds. Benny was revered and loved by many, but he leaves many nieces and nephews who feel the loss of his love including Todd and Wendall Parkey, Amy Parkey, Edie Legg Kahrhoff, Troy Legg, Lisa, Bailey and Samantha Blankenship, Payton, Sydney and Zane Reynolds, Brooke Reynolds Redfern, Amy Beall Daniels and Angie Beall Collum, as well as many grand nieces and nephews.

Benny was born on February 11, 1953 in Denton, Texas. Benny was raised in Krum on the Parkey family dairy. Benny had a lifelong career in law enforcement. He spent over 30 years defending the public. Benny was with the Denton Police Department for over 20 years from 1984 until he was elected Denton County Sheriff in 2005 and served until 2012. During his time as a law enforcement professional, he started many influential programs and initiatives. Benny began community oriented policing in Denton and created a unique sheriffs police academy giving more people the opportunity to serve the community. Benny had served as a member of the tactical response team, worked on the FBI's violent crime task force, as well as the narcotics unit, trained new police officers, and solved many crimes in the criminal investigative unit during his tenure.

Benny was an instructor with Denton Optimist Judo Club, with a 4th degree karate Black Belt. Between teaching youth discipline, martial arts and his law enforcement career, he touched the lives of hundreds making each a better person for having known him. Benny was a great and loved member of the law enforcement and martial arts community, but his chief priority was always being a loving husband and father.

Benny was a staunch Republican and was active in the party politics. He was loved an honored over the past few weeks by the Denton County Women's Republican league and by the Denton Police Officers Association.

A memorial service will be held on Thursday, July 7th at 11:00 a.m. at the First Baptist Church of Denton, Texas.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Denton Optimist Judo and Karate Club, the Denton Police Officers Association and the hospice care of Heart to Heart Hospice to help those in need.