Robert Gordon McKay

Robert “Happy” McKay, also known as Bob to his siblings, was born in Providence, Rhode Island on 8 February 1940. The middle child of nine, he is preceded in death by his parents, Ralph and Julia James, his six brothers, Earl, Ray, Don, Eddy, Billy, and Jimmy and two sisters, Betty and Shirley, and his former wife, Linda.

He joined the US Army in 1957 at the age of 17 and served tours in Korea, Panama, and Germany, retiring in 1977 after 20 years of service. During his service, he met his wife, Linda, remaining married for more than 33 years. Early in his military service he picked up the moniker, “Happy”, known for always having a smile on his face regardless of the circumstances surrounding him. It stuck with him for life.

After his military service, Happy worked in security for a short period before landing a job with the then Border City Bank. He would work there, through its various transitions, culminating in Chase Bank, for 15 years before retiring. Not being a fan of idleness, he would start yet a third career in hospital security working for another 10 years.

Happy was an avid bowler, bowling competitively for no less than 40 years. Known affectionately as “Hap”, his greatest achievement in the sport was a near perfect 299. Happy was a diehard Boston Red Sox and Dallas Cowboys fan lending to many memorable events spent with Family watching his teams play.

Visitation will be from 5:00pm to 8:00pm on Tuesday, January 02, 2024 at Sunset Funeral Homes-Northeast, 4631 Hondo Pass Drive.  Funeral Service will begin at 10:00am on January 03, 2024 at Sunset Funeral Homes-Northeast, 4631 Hondo Pass Drive.  Committal Service to follow at  Fort Bliss National Cemetery with Full Military Honors, 5200 Fred Wilson.  

Services entrusted to Sunset Funeral Homes-Northeast.  Please visit his online memorial at www.sunsetfuneralhomes.net.