Kevin Heath Puckett

Kevin "Big Sexy" Heath Puckett passed from this life on Sunday, June 10, 2013 at 10:10 p.m. After a family reunion-style gathering right inside the gates of Heaven, he most likely went to work cooking a meal that no one would forget. Big Sexy was born in Longview, TX on September 21, 1971 to Donald R. Puckett and Marilyn Sue Willett. He was the baby of the family, having both a brother and a sister, but in his adult years, much to his disgust, was always thought to be the oldest of the three. Upon becoming old enough to be told "no", he quickly found resourceful ways to get around that answer and do it anyway, not in the exact way he had been told no, but with a twist. Growing up, he spent numerous hours with his grandparents and great grandparents, and loved being around "older" people. Many times in life he stated that he sometimes felt more comfortable around "old people" than young. He was an old soul in a young man's body. His days as a boy were spent wandering the countryside with one of his dogs, tending to the cattle with his "pop" or helping "granny" or "mammy", with a promise of receiving something sweet for his reward. He accepted Christ as his Savior at an early age. Being the child of a minister, he grew up in church where God prepared him to be a selfless servant and an encourager. In 1983, Big Sexy's father was voted in as the pastor of Victory Assembly of God in Longview. This is the place where the love affair began for Kevin and his wife Jennifer. In the beginning it was a relationship like that of a big brother and little sister as Kevin was twelve and Jennifer was nine. When Jennifer turned 16, Kevin suddenly realized that she was no longer a little girl, but now a young lady who captured his heart. He always kidded and said that he asked God for a 6' brunette, but God gave him a 5' 2" blonde bombshell. He was a force to be reckoned with in many ways, and his fierce love for his future wife proved that about him. From the beginning of their relationship, Kevin was Jennifer's biggest cheerleader, inspiring her to be all she could be. The love they shared was one of great admiration and respect for each other, upholding and encouraging each other even through the many difficult times they spent in their years together. They were best friends. After the birth of their first child, Reagen, it was almost six years before Brock came along, and quickly thereafter came Dane, and lastly Kiran. He loved all of his children deeply but found a new purpose in life within the struggles of learning of Dane's disability and teaching people to look past the disability and see the person. He was an amazing father and had the ability to demonstrate his love to his children in one of two ways: unconditional love or relentless interrogation. The love and devotion he had for his family was undeniable and fierce. He was not only a daddy to his children at home, but shared that fatherly love with the many kids he came to know through the Hallsville Band program where Jennifer works as a band director. He also was asked to assist at Camp Gilmont due to his leadership training. Big Sexy was larger than life, not only in size he was frequently called a gentle giant but in spirit. He loved people and loved to serve them, which was evident. In every area he worked, he was a customer service rock star. Taking care of people was his forte. No matter where he was or whom he was taking care of, he was often the center of attention, not because he liked the spotlight on himself, but because people were just drawn to his magnetic personality. He was a master story teller, and would make you feel like you were watching a movie as he was reciting the story. He was a walking encyclopedia of jokes and was gifted with quick wit, a great sense of humor, wicked sarcasm which he considered a gift and the ability to make you feel like you were the most important person in the room. Though he was not professionally educated in the culinary arts, he managed to educate himself to the level of a "master" chef. He loved to cook for people and found great joy when his loved ones and friends were comforted by his culinary creations. He was in the process of finishing his bachelor's degree in history and psychology at Stephen F. Austin State University. His love of learning was evident, and he would become highly irritated when you interrupted his daily viewing of RECORDED episodes of Jeopardy. There are few words with definitions powerful enough to describe Big Sexy. The lives he touched are forever changed. The void in our lives will be great, but knowing that we can one day be with him again in Heaven comforts our spirits. Kevin was preceded in death by his mother, Marilyn Puckett, and grandparents F. R. Puckett, Bill Willett and Margie Willett. He is survived by his wife Jennifer, and children Reagen, Brock, Dane and Kiran; his father Don Puckett and grandmother Dorothy Medlin Puckett of East Mountain; brother and sister-in-law Tony and Dorothy Puckett; niece and nephew Abby and John Puckett, all of Longview; sister Lori Puckett of Soldotna, AK; father-in-law and mother-in-law Rodney and Ruby Havins of Kilgore; brother-in-law and sister-in-law Scott and Melanie Havins of Waskom; grandmother-in-law Margaret Chandler of Weatherford; our "adopted" daughter, son-in-law and grandson Katie, Kegan and Kinden Pirtle of Winona, as well as numerous uncles, aunts, cousins and close friends. A celebration of life service for Kevin will be held on Friday, June 14, 4:00pm at Mobberly Baptist church. Per Kevin's wishes you may dress casual, unless you are most comfortable in a monkey suit as Kevin would say.....Ladies, no moo-moo's please. In lieu of visitation, the family will be available immediately after the service to receive condolences. Many have asked how to support the family financially. While we love flowers as much as the next girl didn't seem appropriate to say next guy!, we would like to request financial gifts in lieu of flowers so that the future needs of Jennifer and the kids can be provided. For those who wish to give, please follow these directions: 1. Go to www.paypal.com 2. Click "send money to a friend" 3. In the recipient box type HALLSVILLEBANDBOOSTERS@YAHOO.COM 4. Follow the remainder of Paypal's instructions Contributions can also be made to the Kevin Puckett Memorial Fund at any Community Bank in Hallsville and Longview. Regardless of method, 100% of the gifts will be given to Jennifer and the children.

Kevin Heath Puckett

September 21, 1971 - June 10, 2013