Noel K. McKey, 90, passed away peacefully on Sunday, July 12, 2009, of injuries sustained from an automotive accident. He is now at peace with God.

A memorial service will be held Friday, July 17, 2009, at the Utica Christian Church from 10 until 11 a.m., with a memorial service at 11.

He was a native of Utica, a graduate of Utica High School and Texas Chiropractic college in San Antonio, Texas. He served his country as a second lieutenant during World War II, in the Philippines.

Featured in a two-part series by Gordon Cotton in TheVicksburg Post in March, Noel was an avid politician, having served the town of Utica as an alderman for two non-consecutive terms and as mayor for two non-consecutive terms. He was a Hinds County Supervisor for District 3. He also worked for the Mississippi Department of Agriculture during the terms of Commissioner Jim Buck Ross. He was also employed by Hinds County as purchasing clerk and director of the Public Works Department.

His main passions for life included his love of horses, country music and a good country breakfast surrounded by family. As late as two months before he passed away he purchased a new horse, simply for the gait and the beauty of it. Evenings would find him in his golf cart riding up to the fence to pet the horses, check the hay, feed and water. One of his favorite sayings was, “The best thing for the inside of a man, is the outside of a horse.”

He loved his church, from early childhood, sang in the choir, served in the offices of the church, and enjoyed teaching the young people.

A strong man, Noel believed in strong object lessons for discipline and morals. When you think of him, think of him with a smile, a laugh, a joke, a good tale, and a passion for life. There was no one quite like him. He will be greatly missed.

Preceded in death by his parents, Shelby and Virgie McKey; sisters, Virginia McKey Keith and Mary Ann “Tootsie” McKey Page; brothers, Daniel Shelby McKey and W.C. “Dub” McKey.

Noel is survived by his wife of 68 years, Abbie Leone “Pinky” McKey; his two daughters, Michele McKey Ammon of Houston and Linda McKey of Utica; one son, Kirk McKey (Brenda) of Craig, Colo; four grandchildren, Noel Ammon of Fort Hood Texas, Erin Ammon of Austin, Texas, and Kaleb McKey and Alex McKey, both of Craig. He is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews.

Memorials may be made to Utica Christian Church, P.O. Box 305, Utica, MS, 39175 or the Utica Volunteer Fire Department.