Jerry Mckay

Jerry McKay, 55, of Headland, departed this life on August 15, 2013, but never from the presence of God.  May he rest in peace.

Home going services will be 11 am Wednesday, August 21, 2013 at First Baptist Church Headland with Rev. Delvick McKay officiating. Burial will follow in Greater Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church Cemetery with Robert Byrd directing. The family will receive friends from 5-7 pm Tuesday at the funeral home. Flowers are being accepted or memorial donations may be made to the Greater Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church, Legacy Campaign, P.O. Box 62, Headland, AL, 36345.

Jerry McKay, a gift from God who was given to the late Mr. Lonnie McKay, Sr. and late Mrs. Mittie Mae McKay on July 27, 1958. Born and raised in Headland, Alabama and the youngest of six 6 children: Lonnie Jr. Cynthia, Eugene Eileen, Robert Annie, Madison, Tommy deceased.

Jerry was a talented athlete, retired sports official, and recreation enthusiast who patterned his life by making a difference both on the court and off the court. He was an All–American Point Guard and All–Time Assist Leader at George C. Wallace Community College 1977–1979. He graduated from Headland High School and George C. Wallace Community College with an Associate’s Degree in Business Management.

On May 17, 1977, with the challenge of completing college and striving to fulfill his dream of playing college basketball, Jerry became the proud father of his first born son, Darius LaKisha. He was always dedicated to his family and was determined to be a faithful father beginning at the tender age of 19. Likewise, on May 24, 1980, Jerry welcomed his second born son, Delvick Lori and his grandson, Christian, on October 5, 2009.  Through Jerry’s commitment to his family, he began to instill into his children the value of responsibility, respect, and dedication to doing the right things. On October 14, 1991, affectionately received was his third born son, Jeremy, and the daughter that he always wanted, Alexis, upon uniting in marriage to Iris Washington on May 5, 2007.

Jerry retired from Sony Magnetic Products Inc. of America in October 2010 after 30 years of committed service.  With many fond memories and lasting friendships, Jerry’s kind and pleasant demeanor made his working relationship with his co–workers enjoyable.  While he enjoyed his career at Sony, he never forgot his first love of athletics and recreation, and upon retiring from Sony, Jerry became a Recreation Aide with Dothan Leisure Services and Walton Park from March 2011 until October 2012. Along with his sons, Jerry co–founded Christian Brothers Network Inc., a 501c3 non–profit organization that thrives off the inspiration of the Spirit of Jesus Christ by empowering individuals to succeed through education, job placement, governmental and residential housing, and sound Christian Living.

Jerry would seldom take credit for his accomplishments but would always credit God for his blessings and grace that has been extended towards him.  Jerry served as Deacon and first Boy Scouts Master Troop #217 at Greater Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church, Chair of the Audio/Video Ministry, Coordinator of Project Nehemiah, Counselor for Crusaders, Member of Outside Beautification Committee, and Headland Recreation Board.  Jerry’s unselfish sacrifice to his Savior, family, church, and community signifies the commitment he had in his relationship with God.

He leaves to cherish lasting memories of faith, commitment, and service to his beloved wife, Iris, whose commitment and service was always consistent in this life and will never be forgotten in the life hereafter.  Jerry would say, “To my brothers, our parents raised us to be men of integrity and supportive of each other; therefore, let us maintain our tradition”.  “To my sons, remember what I have instilled in you and be the men that God wants you to be and set the example for others to follow”.