David Allen McKay

David Allen McKay was born in Amarillo, Texas December 22nd, 1959. The third of five children born to JC and Katie McKay.

Dave was, by nature, friendly, kind and open hearted. He would help people in need even at his own expense and without reservation. He had many friends and maintained deep, lifelong friendships with some of them. His impact on the people who knew him was profound.

In his youth he was an incredible athletic talent. His speed, intelligence, athleticism and team spirit, won the respect of his coaches and team mates.

Carpentry was his trade. He applied his skills to make a living but to also help others. There are countless stories of how Dave would step in to help anyone in need of his carpentry or handyman skills. He was a very hard worker and took pride in his work.

When he wasn’t framing houses, he made birdhouses, bible boxes, or his signature wooden crosses. He loved working with reclaimed wood and everything he built carried a story, often made for someone else, always made with care.

Although carpentry was his livelihood, music was his passion. He loved the Beatles. He would tell all who would listen that the Beatles were the best band that ever existed. Growing up he practiced the guitar incessantly. It was a 24/7 loop of Norwegian Wood. By the time he learned it, we all came to hate that song. But he learned it and went on to be a pretty decent guitar player.

He acquired a fondness travelling and horse racing and loved the yearly trip up to Oklahoma to watch the Kentucky Derby.

Above all, he was guided by his Christian faith. He was deeply religious and lived a simple life of faith, humility, and kindness.

Dave was preceded in death by his father, JC McKay, his sister Cheyenne Wheatley and brother Patrick McKay.

Survivors left to cherish his memory are his mother Katie McKay, his older brother Michael McKay and younger brother Jeffrey McKay and his wife Vanitha and a host of nieces, nephews, extended family members and friends