Andrew Jay "Andy" McKay

Graveside Services for Andrew Jay “Andy” McKay, 81, of Claremore, were held Friday, February 21, 2014 at Osage Gardens Cemetery in Skiatook, OK. Reverend Charles Sandusky officiated. Casket Bearers were Jeremiah Harris, Kenny Surrett, Ryan Baze, Jim Horton, Nathan Franklin, and Joshua Clark. Honorary Casket Bearers were Micheal McKay, Jaxon McKay, Greg Loomis, Cayleb McKay, Stephen Andrew Caldwell, and Dakota Hudman. Arrangements and services were entrusted to Johnson Funeral Home, Sperry.

Andy was born April 9, 1932 in Boulder City, NV to Charles and Agnes (Jepson) McKay. He passed away February 17, 2014 in Claremore, OK.

He grew up in Fresno CA and was raised by his Uncle Jack and Aunt Peggy. At the age of 16, Andy joined the United States Air Force and was a part of the crash and rescue team stationed in England. Once returning to the states, he was employed with the Telephone Company. He then became part of the Albuquerque, NM police department for many years. Andy met and married Barbara McKay and they made their home for several years in Russellville, AR where he was employed with the Russellville police department. In 1969, he and his family moved to Camden, AR to work for the Ouachita County Sherriff's office as a detective for many years. Andy also worked at Pepsi bottling plant for a few years until he became founder and owner of South Arkansas Security Company until he retired in 2001. Andy was active in the Boys Club of Camden, AR. He was on the civil service board and a member of Hillside Baptist Church.

He is survived by his 5 daughters, Linda McKay Harrison of Farmington NM, Lorri McKay Lynch of Reno, NV, Christy Lillywhite and husband DeWayne of Aztec, NM, Neva McKay of Camden, AR, and Karen Loomis and husband, Greg of Camden, AR; son, Michael McKay and wife, Reneé of Claremore, OK; 14 grandchildren, Jon Lillywhite and wife Leila of Abuquerque, NM, Justin Lillywhite and wife Jennifer of NC, Sommer Lillywhite Salt lake City, UT, Michael Andrew McKay and Wife Janell of Claremore, OK, Jennifer Harris and husband Jeremiah of Verdigris, OK, Sarah Beth McKay, Katelynn Loomis, Jessica Loomis and Maegan Loomis all of Camden, AR; great-grandchildren, Dakota, Stephen, Cayleb, Elizabeth and Jaxson all of Camden, AR; Allie, Kinsley, Michaela, Eden and Ember of Claremore, OK; Ivy Lillywhite of Albuquerque, NM; beloved pet, Mitzy; Special people, Kay Crumpler of Camden AR, Carol Heppberger of Winfield TX, Stephanie Adair of Verdigris OK, and Katie Clark Longhorn WI.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 50 years, Barbara McKay; parents, Charles and Agnes McKay; brother, Donald McKay; sister, Clarice McKay; Uncle Jack and Aunt Peggy McKay; and granddaughters, Maclaine Elise Loomis, and Michelle Oberding.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Andy’s memory can be made to the Claremore Veterans Center.