Dr. Sidney J. McKay, DMEd

Sidney J. McKay, 79, passed away Monday, August 29, 2016. He was born on March 15, 1937, to Laura Belle (Chapman) and William Clyde McKay in Archibald, Louisiana. He was a graduate of the University of Louisiana at Monroe and the University of Southern Mississippi. He was Director of Bands and Professor Emeritus at The University of Memphis, having retired in 2003 after a forty-four year career in teaching at both the university and secondary school levels. At The University of Memphis he conducted the Symphonic Wind Ensemble and administered a large band program consisting of The Mighty Sound of the South Marching Band and two additional concert bands. He has always been active in community musical organizations, conducting symphony orchestras, church choirs, community theater pit orchestras, and community bands. From 1987 until 2014 he was the conductor and musical director of The River City Concert Band (now known as the Memphis Symphonic Winds). He was an active member of Second Baptist Church, where he served as a deacon, sang in the choir, and enjoyed the fellowship of The Wisdom Seekers Sunday School Class. Sidney was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers, Clyde and Lannie. He is survived by his wife Mary Jane, his son Julian (Katherine) and granddaughters Morgan and Madeline, and his daughter Susan Lovelace (Jeff) and granddaughters Sidney and Haylie, and one brother Ted (Olga), and several nieces and nephews. Visitation will be held Friday, September 2, at Memphis Funeral Home on Poplar Avenue from 5 to 8:00 P. M. Funeral services will be held Saturday, September 3, at 11:00 A. M. at Second Baptist Church, 4680 Walnut Grove Road, followed by a graveside service at Memorial Park Cemetery on Poplar Avenue. In lieu of flowers, gifts may be made by mailing a check made payable to the University of Memphis Foundation, designated for The Dr. Sidney J. McKay Graduate Fellowship, Endowment No. 65066, to: The University of Memphis Foundation, P. O. Box 1000, Memphis, TN 38148