Edward… God-Fearing. Protector. Creative. Artist and Musician. Provider. Handyman. Carpenter. Political Analyst. Survivor. Leader. Mixologist. Chauffeur. Hard Worker. Friend. Husband. Daddy. Son. Brother. Uncle. Cousin. Wonderfully Bossy. Dedicated to Family. Family Archivist. Crafty.
On January 9, 1942, in Lillington, NC, the lives of Mack and Ethel McKay were forever changed with the release of the sequel – “Wealthy Guardian” or loosely translated - Edward Randolph McKay. Rich in character, spirit, creativity, and curiosity (as he asked his Daddy “Where was I when I wasn’t?”), “Randolph” used his gifts to touch the lives of many, all while serving as guardian of anyone he called friend or family.
Affectionately called Randolph by family, Eddie Mac by buddies, and Ed by colleagues, Edward spent his formative years in Lillington, NC. Assertive and persuasive from an early age (age 6), Randolph convinced his classmates to come home with him for an unauthorized birthday party in his own honor after school. This assertive trait and knack for organizing enabled him to become the Artistic Director for the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in Washington DC, where he retired after 30 years of service. A dedicated and talented employee, who opened doors for other African American executives in the federal government, Randolph earned many accolades, such as Best Manager, and survived several presidential transition committee interviews.
His journey to EPA was set in motion by 4 years of study at Morgan State University, where he earned a B.A. in Fine Arts, played a “mean” saxophone in the marching band and decided to further his education in the graduate program of Fine Arts at Howard University. The consummate artist, Randolph’s paintings have been displayed at Howard University, the Smithsonian and currently in all of his relatives’ homes.
As a civic minded activist, Randolph was extremely involved in the Lamond Riggs Civic Association (LRCA). Satisfying his thirst for social justice, he was a lifetime member of the NAACP and over time, affiliated with several churches. As a member of the LRCA, living up to his guardian role, he served as an “orange hat”, (precursor to the neighborhood watch patrolmen), to ensure that the community where he lived remained safe for his family. Additionally, Randolph was a 33rd degree mason, serving as Worshipful Junior Grand Steward Emeritus, Worshipful Master in the John F. Cook Lodge No. 10 (1991), and Worshipful Assistant Grand Archivist. As with everything else, he worked in service to the glory of God.
Always the planner, Randolph met his wife Peggy McDougald McKay of 58 years when he was in the 10th grade, and she was in the 8th. As her route bus driver, he noticed the demure, sweet and attractive young lady on the bus, and directed her to sit up front. He courted her for 9 years, with plans of marriage, children and a God sanctioned family life. Leave it to Randolph to turn a high school job as a bus driver into a lifelong plan. Randolph was an Ephesians 5:25 husband. He loved his wife Peggy, as Christ loves the church and gave himself up for her. After 58 years, Peggy still loves him with all of her heart and “will do anything for him.” This union produced two children, Dawn McKay Alston and Edward Randolph McKay, Jr.
Randolph was a “Daddy” who provided for his family, showered his children with attention, direction and lots of love. He taught them by doing. As an example, he was baptized at 12 years of age at Lillington First Baptist and again as an adult with his teenage son, to be sure it stuck. Dawn and Randy fondly remember weekend trips to every museum in Washington DC, bike rides in Rock Creek Park and basketball games in the backyard. He also taught his children resilience and not to sweat the small stuff. When Dawn found a maggot in her rice during her first year in college, she called home with the expectation of moving off campus, only to be told “push it to the side, a little maggot never hurt nobody.”
Before and after Randolph had a family of his own, his parents and siblings were the beneficiaries of his love. He was preceded in death by his parents Mack and Ethel McKay and sibling, Janet McKay Blackmon. He leaves his beloved wife Peggy; sister Helen McKay Wright; daughter Dawn Michelle Alston (Milton); son Edward Randolph McKay, Jr. (Crystal); 2 grandsons, Milton “Ty” Alston, Jr and Marshall Drew McKay; uncle, Harry P. Marshall, Sr.; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends, each holding a special place in his heart.
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