John Robert McKay

John R. Mckay Jr was born on March 8, 1954, to John R McKay Sr and Annie Jean Mansell Mckay. From a young age, John loved helping other people and spreading joy with his smile. 

He married Elizabeth “Liz” Smith McKay in 1980, and theirs was a story of two people who truly loved each other.  They welcomed their daughter Kim, and later their three precious grandchildren. 

John lived his life serving others. He served as the manager of Piggly Wiggly in Canton for many years, making it a hub for the community. John’s smile and steady nature made “the Pig” a consistent part of the Canton community for decades.  When Liz suffered health setbacks, he faithfully cared for her until her passing in 2023. 

John’s favorite title in life was that of “Pawpaw.” With Pawpaw, every ordinary moment became magical. When Sophie came into the world, Tuesdays became their special days, and trips to Walmart or Sam’s took on a very special meaning.  As Sophie was joined by Carson and Declan, Pawpaw learned how to multiply magic, whether it was dancing in the kitchen, beating pots in pans, riding in the wagon, or loading up in the truck to take a ride, Pawpaw loved serving as their “partner in crime.”

On April 10, 2026, he was reunited with Liz in the presence of Jesus, peacefully passing from this life to the next. 

John is survived by his daughter Kimberly McKay Bradford, son Gary Bradford, his three precious grandchildren, Sophie, Carson, and Declan Bradford, his sisters Jean Teaster Wood and Jon Anne Winstead (Charles), and a host of nieces, nephews, and cousins.

John’s life was a testament to faithfulness, service to his family and community, and the power of being an ordinary hero by showing up every day. 

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