RAY MCKINSTRY OBITUARY

July 1, 1979 - Feb. 1, 2013 SOUTH BEND - Ray Charles McKinstry II, 33, of South Bend, Indiana, departed this life on Friday, February 1, 2013. He was born in Detroit, Michigan, to Annette Herring (Clem) and Ray Charles McKinstry Sr. on July 1, 1979.

"R.C.," as he was affectionately known, attended John Adams High School.

He was employed at General Sheet Metals for five years. He was full of laughter and life. His presence will be deeply missed. R.C. stayed "photo-ready" all the time. R.C. will be deeply missed by a host of special family and friends.

Ray leaves behind to cherish his memory loving young men, Raquan C. McKinstry (14), Jaron A. McKinstry (12), Davone T. McKinstry (6), all sons of Hollie Melson; Brandon A. McKinstry (4), son of Erika Woods. He also leaves behind a grandmother, Mary L. McKinstry Walker; three siblings, Joseph Twon (Madrina) Barnes III, Retina C. Clark Kuchawo and Brandy N. Barnes McKinstry, all of South Bend, Indiana; in addition, a special mother, Ida (John Ray) Bivens of Indianapolis, Indiana; two special cousins, Udell L. Markham III and Tawanna T. McKinstry, both of South Bend; five nephews, six nieces, along with three cousins, Shaquanda, Samone, Sam Lindsey; and a host of aunts, uncles and a lot of other cousins and loved ones.

R.C. was preceded in death by his grandfathers, Sam McKinstry, Tommie L. Herring; grandmother, Celeste Herring; great-aunt, Ida May Rucker; uncle, Henry "Sunny" Driver; and step-grandmother, Willa May McKinstry. Funeral services for Ray Charles McKinstry II will be held on Saturday, February 9, 2013, in Second Baptist Church, 24828 Fillmore Road, South Bend. Visitation will begin at 10:00 a.m. and service at 11:00 a.m. Burial will follow at Mount Pleasant Cemetery. Visit www.clarkoneal.com to sign his guestbook. Clark-O'Neal Funeral Home Inc. has been entrusted with arrangements.