Eugene Claris McKay

Eugene Claris McKay was born on March 12, 1938, in Jonesboro, Arkansas, to Claris Elvy McKay and Elma Marcella McKay. He was preceded in death by Pamela Champagne McKay (wife), James O. Stone (brother), Mary Lee Prescott (sister) and Charles Franklin McKay (brother).

At the age of 17, Eugene proudly joined the United States Air Force as an active-duty airman. During his military service, he had the opportunity to travel to numerous Air Force bases throughout Europe, experiences that broadened his horizons and became an important part of his life.

Following his active-duty service, Eugene began what would become a distinguished 37-year civil service career with the United States Air Force. He started his career as an electronics instructor at Keesler Air Force Base in Biloxi, Mississippi. Through dedication, intelligence, and hard work, he earned numerous promotions and excelled in a variety of high-level administrative and project management positions.

Eugene continued his education while building his career and earned a bachelor’s degree in business from the University of Southern Mississippi. He was a lifelong learner, a hardworking professional, and a man who took great pride in everything he pursued.

Beyond his military and civil service careers, Eugene had a passion for real estate and greatly enjoyed his real estate business. He was a businessman at heart and appreciated the independence, challenge, and relationships that came with working in real estate.

After retiring from Keesler Air Force Base, Eugene embraced a quieter and more hands-on way of life. He purchased land and enjoyed raising animals, including cows, chickens, pigs and geese. His farm became a place where he could work with his hands, enjoy the land, and pursue the simple pleasures of country living. He loved to cook and learn new recipes.

Eugene will be remembered for his dedication to his country, his many years of service to the United States Air Force, his strong work ethic, his entrepreneurial spirit, and his love of the land and animals.

He is survived by his daughters, Kathy Ann McKay, Kristine Denise McKay, and Kimberly Jane McKay; son, Kevin Eugene McKay (Lisa Williams McKay); granddaughters, Madeline Leigh McKay, Meredith Anne McKay; sisters, Patsy Sue Riggs, Wanda May Long, Donna Fay Harness; nephews, Chad Niell, Jerrold Stone, Eric McKay; and niece, Stephanie McKay Myers; along with extended family and friends who will cherish his memory.

Eugene's life was one of service, hard work, perseverance, and accomplishment. His legacy will live on through the family, friends, farm and communities he touched throughout his remarkable life.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00am on Saturday, September 19, 2026 at Bradford-O'Keefe Funeral Home, Vancleave, MS. Friends may visit one hour prior. 

Bradford-O'Keefe Funeral Homes is honored to serve the family of Eugene Claris McKay.