Ronald Keith (Pete) McKneely, Sr., 85, passed away at his home on Saturday morning, June 17, 2023. Funeral services will be held on Thursday, June 22 at 10:00 A.M. at Temple Baptist Church Sanctuary in Ruston, La.  Officiating will be Dr. Reggie Bridges and Rev. Dale Oden.  Interment will follow at Tulip Cemetery in Athens, La. under the direction of Kilpatrick Funeral Home of Ruston.  Visitation will be held from 5:00 P.M. to 7:00 P.M on Wednesday, June 21, 2023 at Kilpatrick Funeral Home in Ruston, La.

Mr. McKneely was preceded in death by his parents, Eldridge Leighton (Mack) and Lucille McKneely and loving wife, Ann; his siblings, June Morgan, David McKneely, and Rebecca Hogg; and grandson Eric Leighton McKneely. He is survived by his children, Ronald Keith McKneely, Jr. and Kathy of Ruston, Cathy McKneely Singler of Monroe; and granddaughter, Courtney Michelle Singler of Pensacola, Florida.

Mr. McKneely graduated from Ruston High School and then Louisiana Tech University where he graduated with a B.S. in Civil Engineering. He then went to work for the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development in Ruston in the engineering design section supporting the I-20 construction project before transferring to the Maintenance District office in Monroe, where he became Maintenance Engineer for the District 05 until retiring in 1993.

After retirement, Mr. McKneely and wife Ann moved back to Ruston to be closer to family, friends, and Louisiana Tech athletic events.  They joined Temple Baptist Church where they both enjoyed worshipping the Lord together with their church family.  Mr. McKneely especially enjoyed his Sunday school class and opening the gym for the 4:30 A.M. exercise group.

Mr. McKneely enjoyed hunting and fishing and spending time at the camp on Lake D’Arbonne where he hosted many DOTD fishing tournaments until his retirement. He was a loyal Louisiana Tech athletic supporter, attending all football and basketball home games possible until he could no longer navigate the steps to Joe Aillet Stadium or the Thomas Assembly Center.

Pallbearers will be Derald Morgan, Bill Hogg, Jeffery Hogg, Wayne Jones, Joey Sutton, and Don Hogan.

The family would like to thank the Louisiana Hospice and Palliative Care staff and all the private care givers for their love, support, and care during this very difficult time.  A special thank you to Sandi Lawson and Angela for their loving care.

Planned memorials may be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital; Temple Baptist Church; or the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America, 322 8^th Avenue, 7^th Floor, NY, NY 10001.

Online condolences may be extended to the family at

www.kilpatrickfuneralhomes.com

Kilpatrick Funeral Homes – Ruston

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