‘Gift from God,’ Friends and family celebrate the life of McKenzie Ray

Cliff Williams / The Tribune Sammie Coates speaks at a celebration of life service for his friend Kenzie Ray at Jordan Hare Stadium Monday.

McKenzie Ray lived only 20 years, but she lived a full life.

Leukemia may have taken her earthly body but not her spirit. Monday, friends and family celebrated the life of Ray in one of her favorite places — Jordan Hare Stadium. It’s a place where a random encounter was the start of inspiration for Sammie Coates. But Ray’s story started years earlier — June 20, 2002.

Ray

Cliff Williams / The Tribune A celebration of life service was held at Jordan Hare Stadium Monday for Kenzie Ray.

Ray 2

Cliff Williams / The Tribune A celebration of life service was held at Jordan Hare Stadium Monday for Kenzie Ray.

Ray Father

Cliff Williams / The Tribune Kenzie Ray’s father Tommy Ray speaks at a celebration of life service for his daughter Kenzie Ray at Jordan Hare Stadium Monday.

Ray Jacket

Cliff Williams / The Tribune The Reeltown High School letter jacket of Kenzie Ray was on display at her celebration of life service at Jordan Hare Stadium Monday.