Lt. Col. George Richard McKay

Lt. Colonel George Richard McKay, US Marine Corps (Ret.) passed away peacefully at his home in Nokesville, Virginia on June 16, 2019, at the age of 75. Born in 1943 in Tulsa, Oklahoma to Norvel R. and Pearl A. McKay, George enlisted in the United States Marine Corps in 1960 at the age of 17. He was accepted into the Marine Corps Enlisted Commissioning program. After earning a degree in Civil Engineering from Auburn University, and then his wings, he was commissioned as an officer in 1968. He served as a combat A6 Intruder pilot flying more than 200 missions over Vietnam under the call sign “Jungle.” Throughout his career, he received numerous decorations and awards including the Air Medal for acts of heroism on four occasions, and the Navy Commendation Medal with Combat “V” for valor for his service in Vietnam. Following his distinguished military career, he retired in 1986 to his farm in Nokesville. In 1983, he met and married Patti Ryan who was the love of his life for 36 years. Together, they bought and rebuilt his Red Barn Farm in Nokesville and filled his barns with tools and toys that grown-up boys love. After his military retirement, George flew Falcon 900 jets as a corporate pilot for MCI and then a freelance pilot. He traveled the world but always returned to his beloved family and farm in Nokesville. During his second retirement, George served his community: in the Nokesville PTO, the Nokesville Civic Association, and on the Prince William County Agriculture and Forestry District Advisory Board. He loved any excuse to buy tools and his third career included building barns, decks, and horse jumps, plus renovating, buying, and selling houses. His fourth and last career as a Gentleman Farmer who raised Texas Longhorns, pigs, chickens, bees and grass fed beef, kept him busy in his later years. He was a woodworker and cabinet maker and rebuilt the farmhouse into a home filled with love and laughter. George had no sense of danger when it came to bull riding, sky diving, bungee jumping, scuba diving, or race car driving, and never once turned down a dare. He was known for cheering on his kids in their various sports, sharing a few cold ones with friends, surviving Hurricane Bob, and constantly wrecking his truck. He was the worst paintball player in the history of the sport and we all learned it was suicidal to follow his lead in storming a hill. He lived a life with no regrets. He will always be remembered as a loving husband, devoted father, loyal friend, and a great patriot. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him. A memorial service will be held at Greenwich Presbyterian Church in the old chapel on Thursday, June 20 at 6:30 pm with a reception afterward. In lieu of flowers, contributions to The Captain Joseph House Foundation are appreciated. This non-profit corporation, founded by the grieving mother of a fallen Army Green Beret in Afghanistan, provides counselors and support to the Gold Star Families of our military’s Fallen heroes. Captain Joseph House Foundation 1108 South Oak Street Port Angeles, WA 98362 https://captainjosephhousefoundation.org/

Lt. Col. George Richard McKay

September 17, 1943 - June 16, 2019