Johnnie McKay

Johnnie Alexander McKay, passed away on September 27, 2026, at the age of 65. A visitation will be held on Saturday, October 10th, at 10:00 a.m. at Belk Funeral Home where the family will receive visitors. At 11:00am his memorial service will be in the Belk Funeral Home Chapel. Following the service Mr. McKay’s ashes will be interred at Grove Hill Cemetery. **The family requests that everyone wears Carolina Gamecock colors to Johnnie’s services**

Johnnie was born on March 31, 1961, in Vicenza, Italy, and later made his home in Florence, South Carolina. He was the son of Johnnie Stevenson and Mirella Baghin McKay.

He was a proud graduate of St. John’s “Blue Devils” in 1979. Johnnie spent much of his working life as a truck driver, a career that kept him on the road but never took away from the things he enjoyed most. When he wasn't driving, you could often find him fishing, playing softball, watching sports, or enjoying a good meal with family and friends. He was a true people person who enjoyed being around others and could strike up a conversation with just about anyone. Johnnie never met a stranger and was always ready with a joke, a story, or a good laugh. Sports were also a big part of Johnnie's life. He followed several teams and was especially a fan of the South Carolina Gamecocks, Pittsburgh Steelers, San Francisco 49'ers, and as a younger man, the Baltimore Colts. Johnnie also had a special place in his heart for animals, especially cats, which is how he came to be known as “Cat Daddy.” Johnnie true love was the beach; the love of the beach and ocean waves began at a very early age with family camping vacations. 

He is survived by his mother; Mirella Baghin McKay, sons; Caden Cooper McKay and Jake Stevenson McKay, Shannon (Caden) Carraway, who was like a daughter, sister; Mickey (Will) McKay Rogers, niece; Kasey Rogers, uncle; Lary Alexander McKay, girlfriend; Tonia Waddell, a friend who was like a son; Chris Hughes, friends who were like sisters; Julia Courtney and Marianne Sunderland, many close friends, and the mother of Johnnie’s son, Brooks, Dawna Stone; also including his softball family, and other nieces, nephews, and cousins. 

Johnnie was preceded in death by his father; Johnnie Stevenson McKay, Amy Tedder McKay his wife and the mother to their boys Caden and Jake, son; Brooks McKay, nephew; William Rogers, III, and other uncles and aunts.

The family appreciates your support and asks that in lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Belk Funeral Home in Johnnie’s memory. Belk Funeral Home, P.O. Box 523, Darlington, SC 29540.