Robert Wilburn McKey Jr.

Air National Guard Master Sergeant (retired) Robert Wilburn McKey Jr. passed away on Monday, October 30th, 2023, surrounded by his family. Robert – affectionately known as Rusty and Bob – proudly served in the 2nd Battalion, 7th Cavalry Regiment Army Airborne Infantry Division in the Vietnam War (1965-1966). Upon his return from war, he completed his tour as Company A 1st Battalion, 11th Infantry in the United States Army. He then served in the Louisiana Air National Guard (1976-1996). He also worked for K&B Drugstores and, later, the Air National Guard as a civilian risk management technician.

Robert was born at Camp Wheeler US Army Hospital, Macon, Georgia on November 9th, 1944, the first born to Dr. Robert Wilburn McKey Sr. and Irma Lucille Adams McKey. Even though Georgia was his home state, he lived most of his life in Metairie, Louisiana. He was a faithful member of the Munholland Methodist Church congregation, a 1963 East Jefferson High School graduate where he was a Delta Alpha Kappa member, and a 1978 Delgado Community College graduate in business. In retirement, he volunteered at The National WWII Museum for 19 years.

In military service to the United States, he earned the Vietnam Service Medal with two Bronze Service Stars, Combat Infantry Badge, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Air Medal, Cold War Medal Ribbon, and many distinctions and honors for his enlisted and civilian service in the Air National Guard.

In addition to his parents, he joins the love of his life, his second wife Judith Florence Villars McKey (1944-2023) and his stepson Brett Alexander Norris in heaven. They were married July 16th, 1988, and enjoyed a faith-filled, romantic marriage.

He is survived by his siblings, Rahna Lucille, Sally Catherine (Jim Dry), and Dr. John Converse (Frances Doussan); his children, Robert Wilburn McKey III and Dr. Rahna Nelms McKey Carusi (Dr. Tony Carusi); his stepdaughter, Christine Villars Norris; his grandson, Umberto Vittorio Carusi II; his step-granddaughters, Nicole Marie Forte, Chauncey Mae Williams, Morgan Alexis Norris, and Taylor Mae Norris; and three step great-grandchildren.

Rusty’s favorite hobbies were dining out with family and friends, as well as travelling, LSU football, music and dancing. His special interests were history, ancestry, and our moderately famous Adams-Dorough Cordele, Georgia Homecoming. He was a God-fearing man who lived his life by the three values of God, Country, Family – a devout Christian, patriot, and deeply committed family man. We will miss him.

A viewing will be held at Leitz-Eagan Funeral Home, 4747 Veterans Memorial Blvd. in Metairie, Louisiana on Saturday, November 4th, 2023, from 11:00 am - 1:00 pm. A brief viewing will also be held at Carson McLane Funeral Home in Valdosta, GA followed by a graveside service at Sunset Hill Cemetery in Valdosta, Georgia on Saturday, November 11th, 2023, at 1:00 pm.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to Munholland Methodist Church at 1201 Metairie Rd, Metairie, Louisiana 70005 or a charity of your choice.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.LeitzEaganFuneralHome.com for the family.