Starley Mac McKay

Services for Starley Mac McKay 82 of Lake Palestine will be held on Tuesday, July 7, 2015 at 11:00 AM at the Noonday United Methodist Church with Rev. Rhett Ansley officiating, assisted by Rev. Royce Savage. Visitation will begin one hour prior to the service. Interment will follow at the Noonday Cemetery under the direction of Stewart Family Funeral Home. He was born November 1, 1932 in Noonday Texas to Bud and Josie McKay. He was a member of the Noonday United Methodist Church of which he help build. Starley lost his courageous fight with cancer on July 4, 2015. Starley was raised on a farm in Noonday and graduated from Tyler High in 1951. He served in the Army during the Korean War and was stationed at Fort Bliss Texas from March of 1953 to March of 1955. He worked for the Cotton Belt Railroad and retired from La Gloria Refinery after 31+ years of service. Starley was a charter member of the Order of Demolay receiving his Initiatory degree on November 19, 1949. He was a member of St. John’s #53 Lodge, Chapter Council and also the Scottish Rite of Waco. Starley was an avid outdoorsman. He loved living on the lake, fishing, hunting, and most of all tending to his small herd of cattle. His true passion was hunting quail with close friends or family behind a couple of good bird dogs. After his early retirement at age 55, he enjoyed morning coffee with the boys before working on his farm near his home. Starley was multi-talented, gifted with a strong work ethic, and approached tasks with a grit and determination that is rarely seen. His “can do” attitude enabled him to build two homes for his family and countless other structures around East Texas. He was a man in motion, usually the first called on or to volunteer to help out those in need in the community. One could not have a better friend than SM. In addition to his parents, Starley was preceded in death by his cherished daughter Starla, sister Louise, and brother Hewitt. He is survived by his devoted wife Sylvia of 59 years and son Doug of Grand Prairie, sisters in law Betty McKay, Mary Hulin and husband James, and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and a host of friends. The family would like to thank all those who have enriched Starley’s life and to recognize the following close friends as extended members of our family; Charlie, Babs, Kim, Donna, and Dana. Pallbearers will be Charlie Smith, James Brown, Bobby Carter, Mike Harris, Denny Kennedy, and James Greenville, R. J. Smith. Honorary Pallbearers are James McKay, Tyler McKay, Clay McKay, Stan McKay, Cash McKay, and Carter McKay. Memorials may be made to Noonday United Methodist Church, at 17320 Hwy. 155 S., Flint, Texas 75762 or The Hospice of East Texas Foundation, 4111 University Blvd, Tyler, Texas 75701.

Starley Mac McKay

November 1, 1932 - July 4, 2015