George Edward McKay, Jr., 80, of Battle Creek died peacefully at home with his family at his side on Tuesday, October 26, 2021.
George was born April 28, 1941 in Battle Creek, Michigan the son of George Edward and Mary Louise (Gordon) McKay, Sr. He was a 1959 graduate of Lakeview High School. George received his Bachelor's Degree in Arts and Education, with a teaching certificate from the University of Michigan. George was employed as a trust officer for Manufacturers National Bank in Detroit and the surrounding suburbs. He returned to Battle Creek in the 70's and was employed for SNB Bank as a trust officer and then for Michigan National Bank.
George married Joan B. Robbert at St. Thomas Episcopal Church on August 24, 1963. George was preceded in death by Joan on May 7, 2008. George married Harold Thomas "Tom" Kyvig on January 30, 2013 and he survives. Surviving are his children, Robbert (Paula) McKay of Holt, Cora D. McKay of Battle Creek; six grandchildren, Johnathon (Kylie) McKay, Margaret (Isauro Garcia) McKay-Garcia, Timothy McKay, Abigail (Noah Cherry) McKay Cherry, Kendrick (Allison) Downs, Ian Witmyer; six great-grandchildren; two sisters, Carol A. Schelb, Margaret Ann (Larry Israel) McKay; a sister-in-law, Susan McKay; one niece, two nephews and several cousins and their families. In addition to Joan, George was also preceded in death by his parents and two brothers, Gordon McKay and Lee J. McKay.
At the age of 16, George joined St. Thomas Episcopal Church. While living in Birmingham, He taught Sunday school briefly at St. James Episcopal Church and sang in the choir. At St. Thomas Episcopal Church in Battle Creek he became a Verger, when Mother Joy served the Parish. He sang in the choir, served in the Vestry, was a member of the Altar Guild and was a Senior Warden. Earlier in life, he enjoyed stamp collecting and antique furniture. George enjoyed visiting Chicago, where he loved the arts, music and the opera.
Friends will be received 3:00-6:00 p.m. Wednesday, November 3, 2021 at Farley Estes Dowdle Funeral Home & Cremation Care. A funeral Mass will be celebrated by Rev. Brian Coleman 12:00 noon Thursday, November 4, 2021 at St. Thomas Episcopal Church. Inurnment will be held at St. Thomas Episcopal Church Garth.
Memorial contributions may be made to St. Thomas Episcopal Church Endowment Fund, 16 E. Vanburen St., Battle Creek, MI 49017 or the McKay-Dole Library, 105 S. Webster St., Augusta, MI 49012. Personal messages for the family may be placed above at "Sign Memory Book".