Bobby Ray Mckamie

The world became a better place on July 16, 1935 when Bobby Ray McKamie was born to Clarence and Elouise McKamie at home in Stampede, Texas. This incredible husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend entered eternal peace in heaven on August 16, 2021.

Bobby assured his place in heaven when he was baptized in Stampede Creek at the age of seven. The McKamie family welcomed Bobby's younger sister, Marie, to their family and they lived a happy but humble life as farmers in Moody, TX.

Bobby attended school in Moody, Texas and between helping his dad on the farm, he played football and caught the eye of the love of his life, Mary Beth Graham. After high school, Bobby made the life changing decision to join the Department of Public Safety and marry his beautiful girlfriend, Mary Beth. They married on September 4, 1953 and together, they began a life of service to God, each other, country, family, and friends. In addition to his work at the DPS, Bobby served in the Texas National Guard for fourteen years, and he achieved the rank of Sergeant Major in the 36th Armored Division. Additionally, Bobby was ordained as a deacon when he was 19 years old and he served in churches as he moved from job assignment to job assignment.

Bobby loved the great state of Texas and he served its citizens through his work at the Department of Public Safety. In his 40 year career with DPS, Bobby rose through the ranks working in multiple areas across the state before retiring in Waco as the Regional Commander for the 54 county region for Central Texas. Bobby touched many lives through his work. He had the heart of a servant and his officers and staff loved him for his kind, fair, positive and affirming leadership.

Bobby loved his children and they adored him. Gary, Sharon, and Lisa followed in their dad's footsteps by working in public service careers. The children are all immensely thankful for the positive impact their dad had on their lives and they know they are abundantly blessed that God chose sweet Bobby McKamie to love and guide them throughout their childhood and adult lives.

Bobby was a wonderful grandfather and he built lasting memories with the grandchildren on summer camping trips. His favorite place to camp was Priest Gulch in Colorado. Bobby and Mary Beth spent many vacations in their RV with the adoring grandchildren at their side.
There is no perfect human, but when God created Bobby McKamie he created an exemplary model of how life should be lived. Those who were blessed to call him family, friend, leader, and brother in Christ, can attest to the fact that Bobby leaves a legacy of faith, hope, and love. He will be terribly missed, but he is now perfectly healed and safe in the arms of Jesus.

Bobby was preceded in death by his dear parents, Clarence and Elouise McKamie; his mother-in law and father-in-law, Juanita and Weldon Taylor, and his beloved son-in-law Gary Newman. He is survived by his wife, Mary Beth McKamie; his son and wife Gary and Paula McKamie; his daughter and husband, Lisa and Ranjan Muttiah, his daughter Sharon Newman; and his sister, Marie, and her husband Dr. Jimmie Don Aycock.

Additionally, he is survived by eight grandchildren: Brant Mckamie, Blake (Kate) McKamie, Blane McKamie, Ashlie Newman, Zak Newman, Aidan Muttiah, Christian Muttiah, Rachel Muttiah and five great-grandchildren.

Many thanks to the caregivers in the memory care unit at The Bristol Assisted Living and Memory Care in Cleburne, TX, and to the Compassus Hospice team who cared for Bobby in his final days. Your work is not easy and your care for him is appreciated and respected.

Funeral services will be held at Chalk Bluff Baptist Church on Friday, August 20 at 11:00 AM followed by the burial at Moody Cemetery at 2:30 PM. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Chalk Bluff Baptist Church and DPS Historical Museum and Research Center.

Out of an abundance of caution, the family asks that all in attendance be fully protected against COVID. Masks will be provided. For those unable to take necessary precautions, please join the service via livestream on the OakCrest Funeral Home Facebook page starting at 11 a.m. Friday, Aug. 20. [Open Facebook, search: OakCrest Funeral Home, and when it opens, you will see the service live.]