SEARCY — Linda Sue McKay Castle
left this earth for Heaven with her children by her side October 12, 2022, at the age of 72. Linda, the smart Southern beauty, was born to, and preceded in death by, George W. McKay and Ninfa McKay, September 8th, 1950, in Jackson, Miss.
Linda, our loving mother, is survived by husband, Okey Castle of Searcy; her sister, Brenda May (Gary) of Louisiana; her brother, George McKay Jr. of Texas; her sons, Jeff Tinsley (Dorothy) of Searcy and Okey Castle II (Ashley) of Colorado; her daughters, Dee Dee Tinsley Barrett (Rob) of Florida and Lisa Tinsley Ponson (Daryl) of Searcy; grandchildren, Ricky Barrett (Karli) of Florida, Nick Barrett (Vivian) of Missouri, Brenden Tinsley of Searcy, and Elle Ponson of Searcy; great-grandchildren Robby, James, and Mariah Barrett of Florida; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Linda was always dedicated to her family and work. After graduating in 1969 from Shades Valley High School in Alabama, she became a wife, mother, and businesswoman, working as an office manager, corporate assistant, and business owner. She was hard-working and persevered in all she did, and always made her family proud.
In 1987, life brought her to Searcy, Ark., where she resided the rest of her days and where she found her life’s passion: real estate. Linda was generous with her time and that made her an excellent Realtor/Broker. She was faithful to her clients and never let a deal go by the wayside. During her early career, she worked for what seemed like every real estate office in Searcy, gleaning such awesome experience from each: E.D. Yancey, Riley Real Estate, All-American Real Estate, and Powell Realty, before opening her own company Century 21 Reality Associates in 1995 with her friends/ partners.
She loved her fellow Realtors, and she valued her profession. She never tired of learning and continually sought every Realtor accreditation and training. As part of the Searcy Board of Realtors, where she was extremely active-she held the office Board President, Vice President, Secretary, and MLS Chairperson many times over. Her love of learning led to her love of training new Real Estate professionals. She didn’t only train new agents, she mentored them and loved them. Over her 30+ years in the business she received many awards, so many we cannot name. Her favorite award would be earning “Best of the Best Realtor” (Daily Citizen poll) more than once; because she cared very deeply for her clients, whom many would become far more than work associates, but friends.
Linda, besides her role as an exceptional businesswoman, was an incredible wife, mother, Memaw, sister, and best friend. She didn’t spend hours in the kitchen but the foods she did make were amazing and made with love. Her chocolate gravy recipe was legendary and her family always knew they could count on an incredible breakfast at Memaw’s house. She showed her love through her thoughtful gifts which she lavished on not just family, but her best friends, coworkers and clients. Words cannot encompass her as a person. Her giving spirit goes way beyond comprehension. We know and are comforted that she’ll be listing and selling in Heaven, and watching over all her family and friends until we meet again.
The visitation will be on October 22, 2022, from 12-2 p.m. at First Baptist Church in Searcy. Following that will be the service beginning at 2 p.m. The interment will be at Romance Cemetery. In lieu of flowers the family request that you make donations to Arkansas Children’s Hospital or The Sunshine School. Arrangements are entrusted to Powell Funeral Home of Searcy. www.searcy@powellfuneralhome.net