Albert “Al” McKay

Albert “Al” McKay was born January 20, 1932, in Parks, AR, to the late John Caro and Dora (Williams) McKay. He passed away on Wednesday, Oct. 26, 2022, in Norman, at the age of 90 years, 9 months and 6 days.

Al grew up in eastern Oklahoma. As a young child, he quickly learned the importance of doing whatever was needed to survive. He worked around the family farm with his primary responsibility being tending to the cattle and horses. He also participated in share cropping with his family.

Al knew he needed to do more to help his family, so after several attempts, he finally talked his father into signing the approval form for him to join the United States Air Force. At that time, parents could sign for their sons to join at the age of 17. In true Al McKay fashion, just a few months prior to his 17th birthday, the Air Force discovered that Al was actually only 15 years old. With this new discovery, Al was released from the Air Force and expected to re-enlist once he was truly 17. A few months later, after legally being 17, Al returned to the military, however, this time he joined the U.S. Army. He ultimately devoted 19 years of service to our country. His devotion to the United States Army earned him numerous badges, medals, and accommodations, including the Combat Infantry Badge, the Silver Star, National Defense Service Medal, and the Purple Heart.

Following his discharge from the army,Al returned home and began a rather interesting, yet diversified career. His working career began selling insurance. He then found a strong interest in auctioneering. While attending the Ft. Smith Auction School, Al spent 8 months working as a police officer to help pay for his schooling. Once he obtained his licensing as an Auctioneer, Al ventured into real estate and became a licensed Realtor. If someone had something they wanted sold, no matter what it was, Al McKay could get it sold. His tenacious approach to selling things was simply amazing, and most often amusing. He sold only the very best of the very best. If in doubt, all you had to do was ask and he would tell you it was. In addition to auctioneering and real estate, Al spent many years traveling around the country announcing rodeos, which was a bonus job that he greatly loved. His rodeo travels allowed him to make so many cherished friends and memories.

Although his native ancestry had always been of major interest to him, it was not until later in life that Al truly began researching and becoming deeply involved in his Cherokee heritage. His continued research and involvement into his people, led him to be elected Governor of the Cherokee Nation West of Arkansas in 2017. His tiring and relentless efforts devoted to his tribe helped to make his people more recognized and respected throughout the native world.

To know Al McKay was truly rewarding. His demeanor, his tireless approach and his confidence regarding life’s tasks were amazing. He simply enjoyed life and made those around him do the same. It has been said, “Al McKay could sell anything, even firewood to the devil!” Most would agree. Rest easy Al, your work on earth is done.

Survivors include his loving and devoted wife, Pat; two daughters, LaQuita Dayton and husband Wayne of Sulphur, and Melanie Cody and husband Bobby of Tucson, AZ; son, Alan McKay and wife Kathy of Sulphur; three grandchildren, Brandy Flowers and husband Jeff, Allyne Cody, and Emmelina Mc-Millan and husband Stephen; as well as four great-grandchildren, Elizabeth, Danny and Novaleigh McMillan, and Thorin Post.

In addition to his parents, Al was preceded in death by his wife and mother of his children, Arlene (Brink) McKay on January 2, 1996; and two sisters, Josie Gibbs, and Lucille Brand.

Graveside services for Al were held 1:00 p.m., Monday, Oct. 31, 2022, at the Oaklawn Cemetery in Sulphur. A cake and coffee gathering will be held following the service at C.D. Brown Training Center, north of the cemetery, at 744 Oaklawn Road. Everyone is invited to attend and visit with the family.

Services are “Entrusted To” HALE’S Funeral Home of Sulphur, OK.

Online condolences may be offered at halesfuneralhomes.com.