John Franklin McKay

John Franklin McKay, 80, died peacefully with his loving family by his side on September 24, 2023, after a year-long battle with cancer. John was born to Albert Franklin McKay and Mattie Chapman on November 8, 1942, in Baton Rouge. John lost his father when he was only ten years old. That experience shaped his life, motivating him to work hard, while living life to the fullest. He enjoyed his family and never took anything for granted. His father, whose family descended from Scotland, was born in 1895 in Birmingham, Alabama, then moved to Baton Rouge in 1919 to build the Exxon plant. Cars were in short supply at the time, so his father walked to and from work every day. During World War II, John remembered seeing sugar stamps and fuel stamps in the house while those commodities were rationed. John was very close with his grandmother, Sarah Jane “Sallie” Chapman, affectionately called Nannie. She was a constant presence in his life, especially after the death of his father. In 1965, John met his wife Phyllis Marino in Baton Rouge. John and Phyllis were married for 54 years and raised three children, who were devoted to him all his life. John graduated from Baton Rouge High School in 1960 and then received a business degree from Louisiana State University. He earned his Juris Doctorate from LSU’s Paul M. Hebert Law Center in 1970. Soon after, he opened Cave, McKay & Poirier with Donald Cave and Robin Poirier. The law practice was renamed The McKay Law Firm in 1998. John practiced law for 55 years, right up until a couple of days before his death. He worked tirelessly for those in need and for those less fortunate; supported throughout by his loyal assistant of 35 years, Connie Maranto. John loved the practice of law, with every day presenting new and different challenges. John was a member of the Phi Delta Phi legal fraternity, the Baton Rouge Bar Association, the Louisiana State Bar Association, the Louisiana Trial Lawyers Association, the American Bar Association, the Federal Bar Association, the American Trial Lawyers Association, and YaYa. In 2020 he was recognized by the Louisiana State Bar Association for reaching the milestone of practicing law for 50 years or more. He was also very involved in Church, school, and civic organizations, including President of the Tara Club, Officer of Tara Civic Association, President of Our Lady of Mercy Home & School, Chair of Our Lady of Mercy School Fair, and President of Our Lady of Mercy Athletic Organization. He was a member of Our Lady of Mercy Catholic Church, a member of Phi Gamma Delta social fraternity at LSU, and a member of the Baton Rouge Astronomical Society. John enjoyed a myriad of hobbies, starting at a young age with the Boy Scouts. As an adult, he enjoyed Astronomy, Tai Chi (which he taught for many years), swimming, archery, fishing, and snow skiing. He coached and played on an adult softball team with Our Lady of Mercy School, which he named “The Law.” He loved the outdoors and could always be found on a deer stand in Woodville, Mississippi. John was a passionate LSU football and baseball fan, serving on the original Baseball Coaches’ Committee when Skip Bertman was hired. He enjoyed watching LSU win national championships in football and baseball and attending the Final Four Championship in basketball. He never missed a game and loved taking his children and grandchildren along with him. In later years, he spent a great deal of time tracing his family’s genealogy. John was an active member and President of the Sons of the American Revolution, through bilateral descent. He organized many events and brought awareness to that organization. He was also a member of the Great Society of the War of 1812. John had an ongoing fascination with all things historical and he imparted that to his children and grandchildren. He was an avid reader, usually enjoying two to three books at any given time, and he was a formidable opponent at family Trivial Pursuit games. Those who knew and loved him will remember his kindness, wit, and love of adventure. He was a unique and extraordinary person who was loved by all. In the words of a dear friend, John’s “love for his wife and his family is as patent as his humble and gentle approach are endearing.” He was a true gentleman, whose family was his top priority. He was an outstanding grandfather known as “GG” to his grandchildren. John is survived by his wife, Phyllis Marino McKay, his daughter Jill (Minor Pipes), his sons Johnny (Catharine Rountree) and Josh (Leighton Thorning); his grandchildren Henry, Charlie and George Pipes; Jack, James and Caroline McKay; and Annie Hughes McKay. He is also survived by his sister Sarah McKay Griffith, numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. He is preceded in death by Sarah Jane Chapman, Albert McKay, Mattie Chapman McKay, Charles Marino, and Josephine Musso Marino. John’s family would like to thank Dr. Douglas Say, along with the doctors and nurses who cared for him at MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, Ochsner Health/MD Anderson Cancer Center in Baton Rouge, and Our Lady of the Lake Hospital. A Visitation for John will be held on Thursday, October 5, 2023, from 5pm until 8pm at Rabenhorst Funeral Home, 825 Government Street, Baton Rouge and will resume at Our Lady of Mercy Catholic Church on Friday, October 6, 2023, from 9am until Mass of Christian Burial at 10am. In lieu of flowers, memorials in John’s name may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital at www.stjude.org/give/memorials-and-dedications.html and Our Lady of Mercy Catholic Church – St. Vincent de Paul Society. To view and sign the online guestbook, please visit www.rabenhorst.com.