Many in Prentiss County say Jason McKinney's death shocked the community.
McKinney was a high school science teacher, basketball coach, husband, and father.
At the Wheeler Gymnasium on Saturday afternoon, a public funeral service and memorial service was held for McKinney and hundreds of people gathered to remember someone they felt was important to the community.
The entryway of the gymnasium was filled with pictures and video of McKinney for those to remember.
McKinney had been with the school district for many years as a teacher and coach, but in 2009 moved up to work for the school district office as transportation director as well doing almost anything else the school district needed.
President Ronnie Kesler says McKinney's dedication to education and to the school district was second-to-none.
"Well I've said it before, Jason was one, he put education first. I mean Jason put everything into it. You know if the school board asked him to look into something, he researched it and did it to the fullest,"
A heavy focus of the service was on Jason's faith and his ability to impact others.
As members of his church and his family took their turns saying words of remembrance and prayer, Kesler says the legacy McKinney will leave behind is significant.
"Jason was just an outstanding man, a great Christian, a great father, and just an all-around great person," said Kesler.
McKinney leaves behind his wife and three young children.
