John Walter McKay, Jr.

   In Loving Memory of John Walter McKay Jr.

   John Walter McKay Jr, age 77, of Carmi, IL passed away peacefully at his home on May 19, 2026, surrounded by his loved ones.

   Born on August 19, 1948, in New Harmony, IN, he was the only son of Pauline (Carney) McKay and John Walter McKay Sr. John was known for wearing his heart on his sleeve and being a helping hand to all. He spent his free time finding a good fishing spot, hunting, trading junk and buying junk at any auction he could attend, and finding a good buffet after Sunday church service. His favorite way to relax after a long day, was sitting in his recliner watching Westerns pretending he wasn’t falling asleep the entire time.

   John went to Carmi school and was drafted into the United States Army in his young adult years. He did many trades throughout his life including the oilfield, supervisor for the City of Manteno, IL, and then in the early 70’s he worked in the laundry department at the Manteno State Hospital where he met his beloved wife, Paula. Him and his wife were devoted members of the Lighthouse Church, in Grayville, IL and New Beginnings Church of God, in Carmi, IL.

   John is survived by his wife Paula (LaMore) McKay, of 53 years, sister, Zelda Taylor, as well as his children, John Paul McKay, Melissa (Matt) Hamilton, and Joseph McKay. His grandchildren, Brooke (Ford) Johnson, Angel (Rodney) Johnson, Caitlin McKay, Malerie (Tristan) McKay, Matthew (Riley) Hamilton, Gwendolyn (Briceton) McKay, Courtney McKay, Corey McKay, John Paul McKay, Jr., Alex (Brianna) Hamilton, Mason McKay and JoJo McKay. His great-grandchildren, Lydia, Zane, Zyla, Reed, Ayden, Grayson, Tilly, Emberlyn, Autumn, Harper, Sophia, Reece and many nieces and nephews.

   John is preceded in death by his parents, Pauline and John McKay, sisters Linda Hall and Brenda Hayden, and niece and nephew Shelly Upchurch and Scott Taylor.

   Funeral services for John Walter McKay, Jr., will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday, May 26, 2026, at Campbell Funeral Home in Carmi. Burial will follow at Big Prairie on Epworth Road with full military honors. Visitation will be held on Tuesday, May 26, 2026, at Campbell Funeral Home in Carmi from 12:00 p.m. until time of service at 2:00 p.m. Flowers and memorial donations for the family may be sent directly to Campbell Funeral Home.