Lawrence McKay Obituary

I still miss Larry to this day. He will always be remembered as one of my best friends. Much love to the McKay family as they were family to me too
. RIP my dear Brother!!

Larry was the "glue" that held Blue Max together" His legacy as a leader will always be cherished.

Warren Chunn (KC)

Larry was such a great guy. I first met him at a reunion and we became close friends fast. If I needs answers to a question, he was one of my go to people. I miss seeing him at gathers when I can make them. R.I.P. Larry See you on Fiddlers Green my friend.

The members of the Aerial Rocket Artillery Association extend their deepest sympathies to the family and friends of LTC Lawrence McKay, Jr. LTC McKay has exemplified the American Soldiers ideal, to serve his country, community and family. He was a Life Member of the Association and was a friend to all. He was one of us and he will be missed, now, and in the future.
 
Cecil Hengeveld, President, Aerial Rocket Artillery Association

I have just learned of Col Larry McKays passing. I as well as others will greatly miss this outstanding compassionate human being.
I served under Col McKay in RVN in "BLUEMAX" F/79 and in my 20+ years in the military I had many commanders but few stood as tall as Larry McKay.
May GOD bless his Christian Soul and provide comfort and peace to his family in this hour of need and sadness as they will continue to be in my daily prayers.

GOD BLESS
Tony White "Bluemax 11"

The McKay family is in our thoughts and prayers. Colonel McKay was such a terrific person. He will be sorely missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him. A great company CO and leader.

Dear Mrs McKay and Family,
I just heard the news moments ago and I'm at a lost for words. The entire Hillman family sends our deepest sympathy to all of you but I also know so many who will hear this news will know what an indelible impression Col McKay left on so many lives in his humble and very warm way. It made our Holiday this past year seeing both of you at The Citadel's candlelight Christmas service. There is so much to say but I will forever hear his "Good Guy" sayings and his steadfast love for God, his family, friends, The Citadel and all things Charleston. His life was a gift to all of us and all of you are in our thoughts and prayers!
John & Dawn Hillman

To Faye and the family. Lisa and I were shocked to just learn today that Larry had passed away last Thursday. Needless to say, Larry, Faye and the entire McKay family have always been considered as our extended family. I have been honored over the past 25+ years to have been considered one of Larry McKay's many friends. I will miss his kind gentle way and for his constant encouragement, no matter the circumstances. We have lost one of the best human beings I have ever known. With love, John and Lisa Allen

The McKay family is in our thoughts and prayers. Colonel McKay was such a terrific person. He will be sorely missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him. Charlie and Emily Condon

Dear Faye, Please accept my sympathies. Larry was also my commander as he led the legendary Blue Max in Vietnam. He brought the best out of all of us. We appreciated his personal loyalty, gentle courage, humility, and leadership. Like many others from his Blue Max team, I continued to be blessed by his friendship and by his example these years since Vietnam. Blue Max 12.

Fay,So sorry to hear about Larry.Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. RoseMarie & Pete Murphy

My wife, Jan and I first met Larry and Fay in 1964 when Larry and I were attending the Artillery Advanced Course at Fort Sill, Oklahoma. Jan and I were "Northerners" and the McKays were the first real Southerners that we had gotten to know. Little did we expect that we would become dear friends - a relationship that survives to this day, despite having only one assignment where we were on the same installation at the same time! I continue to marvel at the level of respect and devotion that Larry's non-confrontational leadership style brought forth in everyone he dealt with, whether it was in intense combat, a staff assignment, or an academic setting. I consider it a blessing to have known him, and to be considered one of his friends. Fay, if Larry and Jan get their heads together at the Pearly Gates, Saint Peter may be out of a job. :-)

Larry McKay was my company commander while serving in Vietnam with F/79th Aerial Field Artillery. He was one of the finest, most compassionate leaders I ever had, who always put the wellbeing of his troops first. Further, he was not a man who was afraid to lead from the front. When we went to battle, Larry was with us. The world is a lesser place without benefit of people like Larry McKay. He will be greatly missed, my condolences to his family. May God bless him and keep him. Blue Max 24, RVN ‘72

My sympathy to the family of LTC Mckay. He was a fine gentleman and commander.He will e missed. Blue Max 35

Bea, I am very sorry about the loss of your son, Larry. I will always remember how wonderful you were to my mother after her surgery. Larry was serving our country in Vietnam at that time. My prayers are with you and Fay and your family.

I am saddened to hear of Lt Col McKay passing. I had the privilege of knowing after meeting him at several gathering. I always cherish the phone calls and talks we had. I would have been proud to serve my time in the ARA under your command. However, I left the unit before you arrived. The Battle of An Loc will always be remembered by many. My prayers go out to the McKay family. You will be missed by the ARA Crew Chief. Sir.

my prayers go to Bea Fay and the family. I was lucky to have him as a role model in high school, What a kind and gentle man, Now he and my dad can swap war stories. God Bless You Larry.

I was sorry to hear of the Col's passing. The students of East Cooper were truly lucky to have a role model like him. Now my dad and him can swap war stories.God bless Fay, Bea and the rest of the family. Love to all.

I am truly saddened to hear the passing of one of kindest men I had the privilege of knowing. I will always cherish our phone calls and visits to New York. I will try to live up to all the advice you have given me throughout the years. My prayers go out to the McKay family. You will be missed

I am truly saddened to hear the passing of one of kindest men I had the privilege of knowing. I will always cherish our phone calls and visits to New York. I will try to live up to all the advice you have given me throughout the years. My prayers go out to the McKay family. You will be missed

We share the state's grief at the passing of such an outstanding man as Col Larry McKay. He was beloved and respected, a rare combination. Our Citadel son, Jay, and we hold him treasured and in our hearts forever. God's blessings to this dear family and especially Fay whom he loved so completely. The world is better because Larry McKay lived.

Larry is a beacon of how to live life and how to treat others. I feel like I lost a father today. I have found myself always trying to live like Larry though I woefully fall short. He was loved by so many, was the kindest man I have ever known and our hearts are so broken. Our prayers go out to his loving family. As Larry always concluded every call or time we had together, he would say, "you hang in there good guy" with that special sparkle in his eyes letting you know that everything would be fine. He will be missed beyond words but lives in the heart of all those he touched.

My heart was saddened when I received the news of Larry's passing. For Bea and you Fay and the children I hope precious memories will comfort you and may it lift your hearts to know how many of us share your heartache. My first meeting of both Larry and Fred was 1n 1946 when I came to visit my sister Cathryne and my Brother-In-Law Robby McKay...Larry was just a little boy of 9 or 10. But for all those years to the present, Bea, you have filled my heart with love. I only wish on my last trip to Charleston, I had been able to see everyone, but it just did not happen. My love and prayers are with you all.
God's Blessings,
Pat Ratchford
Trenton, GA

My thoughts and prayers are with his family. Colonel Mckay was truly one of the best men I have ever met.

Prayers and thoughts to all the Family. Col. McKay will be greatly missed by so many.

Col. McKay had such a profound influence on every person who had the pleasure of knowing him - including me. I was so sad to read of his passing. The world is an emptier place today. I take solace in knowing that Dr. Ward was there to greet him at the next stage of his journey.

You helped me become the man that I am today. May God richly bless you and your family...

My thoughts and prayers are with the McKay family during this very sad time. May you find comfort in knowing he is now at his Father's side and may his soul rest for eternity. May you find comfort in the many memories you shared and feel pride in what a wonderful man he was to his family and the community.

Larry was one of the kindest and most considerate persons one could ever meet. He represented his alma mater at its best, thought of others before himself, and made us better by his presence.

Faye,
Our deepest sympathy. It was a privilege to have been a friend. He was truly unique and will be missed by all who knew him. One of the most honorable men I've known. Judy and Warren (KC).

Honestly, next to my father, the Greatest Man I've ever known. He was my first and best boss ever, my lifetime mentor, and a shining example of ow to be a man. I will Always be great full and will never forget his lasting contributions to my life.

Larry McKay was the best company commander I had in the Army and one of the best pilots I knew in Vietnam. My prayers are with him family and relatives. God Bless Them and Larry.

Mary and I will miss Larry. He was one of the few people that I've ever met whose behavior truly spoke for his faith. His life was a rare combination of courage, kindness, and honor. Few of us will be so lucky to leave such a legacy of love.

The finest most balanced and courageous company commander and leader I served under in the military. With the US Army in Vietnam; F Battery, 79th Aerial Field Artillery, 3rd Brigade, lst Cavalry Division. I man whose candor and compassion and kindness I have never forgotten. Truly, Larry was a leader. My sincere condolences to his family.

Dear Bea,
I am thinking of you. So very sorry for your loss. Losing a child must be the worse pain ever.
Love,
Shirley V. Kruger

Always a gentleman. One of my three lifetime heroes. We are diminished with your absence.

My Deepest sympathy to you with the passing of Larry. My husband served under him during the Easter Offensive with the Blue Max, He always spoke highly of Larry. I was blessed and honored to meet him twice, once in Ft Bragg when the Colors of the Blue Max were raised again and then in DC for Veterans Day. He truly was a gentleman, he treated everyone with dignity and respect and did not make me or any enlisted person seem less but instead equals. Heaven received a beautiful person today. Rejoice in the Lord and may His peace surround you and keep you. Laurie and Bruce