He was born Richard Lynn McKinzey but was known to family and friends as Pete.

Pete was born on Oct. 8, 1946, in Amarillo, Texas, to Millard Purvis and Alice Rosanna Milburn McKinzey. He is preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by longtime companion, Carolyn Sharp; his brother, Clarence Daniel “Danny” McKinzey and wife Glenda; sister, Kiana Johnson and husband Chuck; daughter, Jill McKinzey Gunter and wife Natocha; and daughter, Ginger McKinzey Simon; and grandsons, Kyle Simon (Haley), and Dustin Gunter (Jennifer); and many nieces and nephews.

Pete was in the HVAC industry for several years before starting his own business in 1989 – McKinzey Metal Works. He acquired Arctic Refrigeration in 1991.

He was a well-respected member of the construction industry and was called upon by architects and contractors alike for his vast knowledge in many areas. He belonged to the local chapter of the Louisiana Heat Pump Association and served as president for several years. He also served on the board of the Better Business Bureau for six years.

Pete’s passion was for the NRA, and he was president of the local chapter of Friends of the NRA for 15 plus years and was active until his death. Pete was an avid hunter and supporter of the Second Amendment and a true American Patriot. He enjoyed coaching young kids on gun safety and shooting procedures.

Pete loved people and telling stories. He was an excellent storyteller. He gave a lot of himself to other people to help them out. He enjoyed surprising people with things they didn’t expect and liked teaching people things whether it was knowledge of the world or about life or how to actually do something. He was a very loving and generous father and grandfather and an excellent friend to have.

After his retirement in March of 2020, he enjoyed daily cocktails on the porch with his friends on the river. There are no words to say how greatly he will be missed.

Funeral services will be at 10 a.m. Thursday, Jan. 13, 2022, at Johnson and Robison Funeral Home. Visitation will be Wednesday, Jan. 12, 2022, from 5:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m., and will resume on Thursday from 8 a.m. until the time of service. Cremation will follow services.

Words of comfort may be expressed to the family at www.robisonfuneralhome.com