Eugene McKay

Eugene Richard McKay, Sr., most often referred to as Kokay by his grandchildren, left this earth on January 21, 2009 to be with his Lord and Savior. His life was a testimony to those he left behind. He served the lord vigorously and passionately and was a faithful member of the Waldron Assembly of God. He was an avid hunter and fisherman who helped his grandsons with their introductions to hunting and fishing. He was there the first time that his oldest grandson, Jeremy, went deer hunting. He and his grandson, Trevor spent much time together in the deer woods, for which they both had a strong passion. He was there for the first fish his grandsons, Logan and Konnor, caught and spent much time on the lake with them fishing. His granddaughter, Caitlin, got her introduction to hermit crabs with the help of her Kokay: if you could have heard her screaming and him laughing, you would have laughed too. His laughter was so contagious and delightful. He spent such quality time with his grandchildren. The special bond he shared with each one-Jeremy, Caitlin, Logan, Trevor, Konnor and Austin- always showed each of them how special they were. He was just as special, especially in the eyes of his grandchildren. He promised his grandson, Trevor, that he would be his best man at his wedding, even though Trevor is only 13. Konnor thought that would be a grand idea as well. Logan just thought his Kokay was the ?best man? all the time. Jeremy, Caitlin, and Austin all agreed. Gene left a life well lived. His family was not ready for him to go, but they were sure the Lord needed him more. His wife Linda, son Rusty, son Charley and wife Maura, son Wayne and wife Michelle, his six grandchildren, Jeremy and wife Adonna, Caitlin, Logan and Konnor McKay, Trevor Watkins, and Austin Hill wanted everyone to know how special ?Kokay?s? life was. It was a life to celebrate and his family, including his sisters, Flossie Holleman, Bennie Hutchens and Vernois and her husband Leroy Staton, will miss him. Our loss is certainly Heaven?s gain. Gene?s heavenly welcoming committee includes his parents, Richard and Martha McKay, his sisters, Alta Yarbrough, Dorothy Jameson and Juanita Hewitt; his brother J. D. McKay; his son Chad Watkins; his sister-in-law Janet Hutchens; his great-niece Hanna Boles; and of course, Jesus. His family feels blessed to know that he is now sheltered safe, in the arms of God. Gene?s funeral service will be 2:00 p.m. Saturday, January 24, 2009 at the Heritage Memorial Funeral Home Chapel with interment in the Duncan Cemetery under the direction of the Heritage Memorial Funeral Home in Waldron, AR. Pallbearers will be J. D. Graham, Roger Lipham, John Sanford, Tom Garrison, Mac Davis and Dwayne Wadkins. Visitation will be 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Thursday, January 22, 2009, 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. Friday, January 23, 2009 and 8:00 a.m. to 12 noon Saturday January 24, 2009 at the funeral home.