Wayne McVay

(From Clark Funeral Home)

Wayne Lee McVay passed away in Bluejacket, Oklahoma, at the age of 92. Wayne was born October 7, 1928, one of six children to John and Hannah (Gaston) McVay. 

Wayne was a lifelong resident of the area, only leaving his community to join the military. He proudly served in the U.S. Army from 1940 -1950, followed by serving with the U.S. Army Reserves until 1956. After his honorable discharge, he worked for Vickers in Joplin for many years, retiring in 1978. He then drove a school bus for Diamond School district. 

Wayne married Joyce (Kimbrough) Dille in 1977 and they shared 43 years together; Joyce survives. 

Wayne was dedicated to his volunteer organization, serving as a 32 degree Mason, and was an avid fisherman and hunter. He greatly enjoyed sports and was a fanatic about watching Oklahoma Sooners and St. Louis Cardinals games. However, his absolute favorite “team” was watching his grandchildren at their sporting events. He enjoyed seeing his grandchildren and supporting the school athletes so much that he continued to attend the sporting events even after his grandchildren graduated. 

In addition to his wife, he is survived by children: Mike McVay from Miami, Oklahoma, Curtis McVay and wife Debra from Bluejacket, Oklahoma, Kim Smith from Vinita, Oklahoma, Brent Kelly from Ritchey, Missouri and Lisa Kelley from Vian, Oklahoma; one brother, Kenny Ray McVay and wife Leslie of Arlington, Texas; one sister, Betty Whitehead and husband Clyde of Seneca, Missouri, seventeen grandchildren; twenty-six great grandchildren and three great-great grandchildren. 

He is preceded in death by his parents, his mother-in-law Cathryn Kimbrough; three brothers, Floyd, Earl and Johnny McVay; one granddaughter, Montica Kelley and one son-in-law, Grover Smith. 

Family and friends may call at the Clark Funeral Home, Neosho, on Thursday, October 22, 2020, from 6-7:30pm for Visitation. Funeral Services will be Friday, October 23, 2020 at Clark Funeral Home, Neosho. Interment, with full military honors, will follow at Diamond Cemetery. 

Honoring their grandfather by serving as pall bearers will be Josh Huffman, Caleb Huffman, Canaan Huffman, Jacob Huffman, Pete McVay, Cody McVay, Ben McVay, Gage Kelley, and Gavin Kelley. The family requests in lieu of flowers, contributions be made to the American Cancer Society, c/o Clark Funeral Home, PO Box 66; Neosho, MO 64850.