Kenneth Ray McVay

Kenneth Ray McVay passed to a more peaceful place on January 24, 2026, at the age of 82. While his friends felt that his passing came too quickly, his mind and body are now at peace with the Lord.

Ken was born in Miami, Oklahoma, to the late John and Hannah (Gaston) McVay. He attended school in Miami, where he spent much of his youth on the baseball field. His love for the game carried him through his younger years and onto the Miami High School team, where he proudly represented his community.

After graduating from high school, Ken entered the United States Navy and served as an air traffic controller. His skill, calm presence, and dedication to service later led him to continue this work with the Federal Aviation Administration, where he built a respected career.

While stationed in Norfolk, Virginia, Ken met the love of his life, Leslie Hutchingame. The two shared 56 years of marriage filled with deep affection, laughter, and a spirit of adventure. Together, they traveled the world, collecting memories from every corner they visited. Ken and Leslie also shared a passion for golf and were longtime members of Rolling Hills Country Club, where they enjoyed 20 years of friendship, competition, and community.

Ken was diagnosed with Parkinson’s in 2006, but it never kept him or Leslie from embracing life, enjoying their family, and cherishing the many friends who surrounded them. Though Parkinson’s ultimately had the last word, Ken’s strength, humor, and love for others remained at the center of who he was.

He is survived by his devoted wife, Leslie Anne (Hutchingame) McVay; his sister, Betty Whitehead (Clyde); Leslie’s sisters, Susan, Jean, Gail, and brother Bob; and niece Pam (McVay) and John Noland as well as many other nieces and nephews who adored him. He was preceded in death by his brothers John, Floyd, Earl, and Wayne.

Kenny’s service will be held at the Dallas–Fort Worth National Cemetery on February 24, 2026 at 11:30 am followed by a 1:00 pm Celebration of Life at Wade’s Funeral Home, Arlington. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Ken’s name to A Wish with Wings, an organization that brings joy and comfort to children facing life-threatening conditions.

Ken leaves behind a legacy of kindness, resilience, and quiet strength. His presence will be deeply missed, but the love he shared and the memories he created will remain with all who knew him.