Ryder Steven Paul Poteet McKinnis

Ryder Steven Paul Poteet McKinnis passed away on March 6, 2023 after suffering from an unexpected illness. Taken far too soon, he was just four years old (born November 19, 2018). His spirit and tenaciousness will be carried on by his mother, Destiny A Poteet; father, Larry L. McKinnis; big sister, Aydriana L Poteet (m); little brother, Harley J Poteet (m); and his grandparents, Kathy L Crook (m), Papa Timothy P Claflin (m) and Pamela J. McKinnis (p).

Ryder loved to dance, blow bubbles and make wishes with dandelions. He has been known to chew on his “Papa Tim’s “shoe laces, be caught wearing Halloween costumes year-round, throwing rocks in the pond, decorating cats, wrestling in the floor with his brother and sister, going “Krogin’” with his Daddy. Ryder had big goals; the least of which was to go super-fast like Sonic the Hedgehog. Ryder would show off his favorite plushies to any one he could. He also knew when to call something out as a “pshaw! ”Ryder was a persuasive youngster and often talked “Gams(p)” into a happy meal or dove into Dad’s Hot and Ready Pizza. He was the most loving soul and a joy to be around.

Ryder was also an organ donor, and we are comforted that he saved many lives with his donated gifts. Ryder will forever be missed and we know he is looking down and smiling with a grandpa’s hand in each of his, Leon McKinnis (p) and Steven Poteet (m).

To honor Ryder, please consider donating to Arkansas Children’s Hospital, https://www.archildrens.org/giving/ and becoming an organ donor by signing up at ARORA (Arkansas Regional Organ Recovery Agency), https://www.arora.org/donatelife/. Additionally, flowers may be sent to Griffin Leggett Conway Funeral Home, 1751 Dave Ward Dr, Conway, AR 72034. A celebration of Ryder’s life will be Friday, March 17, 2023 from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. at the funeral home mentioned above. www.griffinleggettconway.com.