Steven Roy McKee

Steven Roy McKee, 71, of Royal, Ark., passed into the arms of his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ on Saturday, Nov. 7, 2026, at his home. He was born Jan. 7, 1955, in Tacoma, Wash., to Stanley and Shirley Stephens McKee.

Steve was a perfectionist by nature, taking immense pride in his work and ensuring that everything he touched was done with care and excellence. A member of Meduza band, he had a passion for music, bringing life to every room when playing guitar or bass, and possessed a collector’s eye for pocketknives, fishing reels and boat motors.

To know Steve was to know a master storyteller. Whether recounting his epic trek to California or sharing memories from his life, his stories brought light and laughter to every room. Yet, of all his accomplishments and passions, his proudest titles were those within his family as a devoted husband, son, father, grandfather, brother and trusted friend. Steve’s faith guided his life and his memory will remain a cornerstone for his family and loved ones.

Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother, Stanley McKee III; and grandmother, Mae Whiteside.

Survivors are his wife of 17 years, Cortney McKee; three sons, Josh McKee of Royal, Jared McKee of Humphrey and Kyle McKee of Fayetteville; one daughter, Gwen Mayo of Royal; brothers, Sammy McKee of North Little Rock, Stanely McKee Jr. of Stuttgart, Alvin McKee of Springdale, Johnny McKee of Eudora, Ark., and Randy Parnell of Oregon; sisters, Susan Nate of Millington, Mich., Cheryl Williams of Arizona, Rebecca McKee of Almyra, Penny Noblett of North Little Rock, Jeannie Benedetto of Las Vegas and Heather Carpenter of Almyra; and two grandchildren, Riley McKee and Silas McKee of Royal.

Visitation is 1 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 12, at Turpin Funeral Home with funeral services, officiated by Bro. Curtis Yancey, following at 2 p.m. at Turpin Funeral Home. Burial will follow in Hunter’s Chapel Cemetery.

His family requests memorials be made to Arkansas Children’s Hospital Foundation, PO Box 2222, Little Rock, Ark. 72203-9984.