Joel Allen McKissick , 67, of Center, passed away Monday, July 15, 2013 at his residence. He was born April 29, 1946 in West Monroe, Louisiana to Joel Allen McKissick and Ethel Earline Bryan McKissick. Mr. McKissick served in the United States Air Force. He was a member of The Gideons, West Monroe Masonic Lodge #419 in West Monroe, Louisiana and First United Methodist Church in Center.

Joel was the life of the party who never met a stranger.  He could sell ice to an Eskimo and you never wanted to bet against him--you would lose.  Joel loved his projects – landscaping the yard, setting up a small pool for the grandkids, removing the pool to replace with a fire pit, buying gadgets and "very useful" items from Amazon, and the list goes on… Joel would claim he didn't like kids, but he would be the first person playing with them and chasing them around the yard.  He absolutely adored his children and grandchildren: and they dearly loved their "Dad" and "Pop." A promise was truly special to Joel.  He taught us that we should never make a promise we don't intend to keep.  He was genuine, generous, and gracious.  Joel loved to dance!  He would glide across the floor with his Polly, smiling from ear to ear.  He will be missed.

Visitation will be held from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., Tuesday, July 16, 2013 at Watson & Sons Funeral Home in Center. Funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m., Wednesday, July 17, 2013 at First United Methodist Church in Center with Bro. Joel McMahon officiating.

Pallbearers will be Michael Glass, Michael Lee, Steve Hawkins, Jim Payne, Rob Payne and Tim Verner.

He is survived by
Wife: Polly McKissick of Center

Son: James Allen "J" McKissick and wife, Lin of Manchaca

Daughters:
Amy Kay McKissick Lebrun and husband, Ronald of Bastrop, Louisiana
Rachel Lee Conway Hawkins and husband, Steve of Marshall

Grandchildren:
Addison Steed, Kaylee Hilburn, Clint & Molly Lebrun, Hannah Lebrun Ruffenach and husband Justin, William James Hawkins and Elizabeth Kate Hawkins

Great Grandchildren:
Porter Lebrun and Knox Ruffenach

Sister: Gloria Darnell of Monroe, Louisiana

Father and Mother-in-law: Charles & Patricia Brittain of Center

Numerous nieces and nephews

A host of friends

Preceded in death by
Parents: Joel Allen McKissick and Ethel Earline Bryan McKissick
Sister: Jean Smith

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made in Mr. McKissick's name to First United Methodist Church, 211 Porter Street, Center, Texas 75935 or www.lafuenteriviera.com