David E. McVay

DAVID E. McVAY Tupelo - David E. McVay, 65, passed away, Thursday, June 20, 2013, at the North Mississippi Medical Center. He was born April 19, 1948, to Edgar T. and Rena Foster McVay. A 1967 graduate of Tupelo High School, he went on to graduate from Itawamba Community College in 1969 and then attended Mississippi State University for a year. In earlier years, he worked at Tupelo Manufacturing Company and Tupelo Aluminum Products. He then began his forty-two year long career with the Mississippi Forestry Commission and retired in 2011. He was a member of Emmanuel Baptist Church. He shared with his family and friends, a true love for everything outdoors. Known for his many abilities and talents, he was a writer of poetry and short stories, a master craftsman, and excellent musician. With all types of music being one of his true passions, he played several different instruments well and was called upon to perform in many different settings from high school bands to church organist. He was an avid photographer, often taking pictures of the outdoors as well as of his beloved grandchildren, Cooper and Mary Cullen. He was also an avid sports fan, with the St. Louis Cardinals being his favorite team. He was admired and regarded for his knowledge and integrity and his opinion was often sought by all who knew him. Though he was a man of many acquaintances, he greatly valued his relationships with his long-term friends. He loved his family and was a much beloved husband, father and grandfather. People who knew him, knew he was a kind and gentle person and was known for helping others. Services will be 1 p.m. Saturday, June 22, 2013, at The Jefferson Street Chapel of W. E. Pegues with Bro. Danny Burks officiating. Burial will be in Lee Memorial Park. Survivors include his high school sweetheart and wife of forty-two years, Carol Sanderford McVay; his son, Jason David McVay (special friend, April Rost); two grandchildren, Cooper Robins McVay and Mary Cullen McVay; his mother, Rena Foster McVay; his brother, Paul McVay; his sister, Betty McVay Cummings (Jeff); two brothers-in-law, Richard Sanderford (Carol) and P. K. Sanderford (Rhonda); seven nieces and nephews; and several great-nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his father, Edgar T. McVay. Pallbearers will be Jacob McVay, Rick Sanderford, Blake Sanderford, Austin Sanderford, Stoney Sanderford and Thomas Kelly. Honorary pallbearers will be former co-workers of the Mississippi Forestry Commission, Lee County and Northeast District. Visitation will be 4 to 8 p.m. Friday, June 21, 2013, at the funeral home.