Lawrence 'Ray' McKamy

Son of Ira and Lois Burleson McKamy, Ray was born December 24, 1932 in Birmingham, Alabama.

Honorably discharged from the U.S. Naval Air Corps, he graduated from Texas Christian University and Brite Divinity School before earning his MSW from the University of Missouri in 1967.

After serving as Dallas Regional Director AFDC Services, he moved to Topeka in 1970, to become Kansas Neurological Institute’s Chief Social Worker, then Administrative Social Worker at Topeka State Hospital and in 1981 joining the Menninger Clinic staff where his remarkable gift for connecting and communicating with those in need led to his position as Director of Social Work Education, from which he retired in 1994. Ray provided psychotherapy and consultation services in Topeka and Wabaunsee County through McKamy Counseling, and taught in the Washburn University social work department until full retirement, 2014. Ray’s wisdom, experience, and even-keeled nature mentored countless mental health professionals throughout his career.

Still, Ray’s life was firmly rooted in his sprawling family which he nurtured with laughter, loyalty, and unconditional love. He is survived by his wife, Elizabeth Herman McKamy of 48 years, his children Lawrence Ray McKamy (Patricia), Brian Keith McKamy (Teresa), Galen Marsh McKamy (Chelsea) and Megan Baer McKamy Fowler (Julianne), eight grandchildren, four great grandchildren and countless others whose life his gentle spirit touched.

Memorial services will be held at Westminster Presbyterian Church, 1275 SW Boswell Ave., Topeka, Kansas 66604, on Friday, December 22, at 2:00 pm. In lieu of flowers, contributions in Lawrence's memory may be made to National Kidney Foundation, 30 East 33rd Street, New York, New York 10016 US, https://www.kidney.org/?campaign=497078.