Ernest Ray McKay

1948 - 2020

Ernest Ray McKay

Wichita Falls - Ernest Ray McKay, 72, of Wichita Falls, went home to be with his lord and savior on Wednesday, December 23, 2020 due to complications of Covid-19.

Though no formal visitation will be held, friends are invited to pay respects and sign the register book at Lunn's between the hours of 8:00-5:00 on Tuesday. Private family graveside services with military honors will be at 1:00 p.m. on Wednesday, December 30th at Red River Station Cemetery in Montague County.

A son of the late Elva (McNeill) and Ernest Pelham McKay, Ray was born on July 3, 1948 in Fort Worth, Texas. Ray graduated from Boswell High School in 1966. He secured a machinist career at General Dynamics shortly after. He served in the United States Army from 1968 to 1970 as a Military Policeman during the Vietnam War. During his service, he earned the National Defense Service Medal, the Vietnam Campaign Medal with W-60 Device, the Vietnam Service Medal, Two Overseas Service Bar, Sharpshooter M-16 Rifle, and Expert M-14 Rifle.

Following the war, Ray owned McKay and Hittson's garage with a dear friend, Gary Hittson. In 1974, Ray met Madge Bernice Cathey, the love of his life. They were married December 11, 1976 in Weatherford, Texas. Ray was a real estate broker in Arlington, TX until he and Madge relocated to Wichita Falls, TX in September 1979 to open The Fence N' Post and help the Wichita Falls community rebuild after the devastation of Terrible Tuesday.

His life revolved around spending time with his family. Family was everything to him and he seized every opportunity to enjoy time with them, wherever it might be. He also enjoyed building his business, loving his dog Bandit, riding his Harley, and being outdoors, especially at his ranch. Ray had never met a stranger and enjoyed talking with his customers who nearly all turned into dear friends.

Along with his parents, Ernest was also preceded in death by his brother, Cecil.

He is survived by his loving wife of 44 years, Madge McKay; son, Seth McKay of Wichita Falls; daughter, Shelby McKay and grandchildren Connor, Jackson, and Adelle McCormick of Wichita Falls.Condolences may be sent to the family at www.lunnscolonial.com. In lieu of flowers the family asks that you PLEASE mask up and save lives, and that donations be made to the charity of your choice.