Michael Lawrence McKay

Seneca, philosopher and writer

“The best portion of a good man’s life is his little nameless unremembered acts of kindness and of love.”

“Tintern Abbey”, William Wordsworth, poet

The above two quotes speak so clearly to the life of our beloved Michael Lawrence McKay (“Mac”, “Mike”, “Larry”), 74, of Raleigh, NC, who passed away on May 1, 2021.

Michael was born in Fort Worth, TX, on February 8, 1947. He graduated from the University of Southwestern Louisiana (now University of Louisiana at Lafayette) with a degree in Architecture. He worked for many years managing architectural projects in Lafayette, LA, Orlando, FL, Raleigh, NC, Houston, TX, and Saudi Arabia. His projects included Terminal A at RDU and the design of the columbarium at Saint Andrews Presbyterian Church, where he will be interred.

He served in the U.S. Army from 1968 to 1971 as a cryptology equipment specialist in Munich, Germany. During that time, he was able to travel around Germany, Italy and Austria, and his stories from his time in the service were always interesting, entertaining, and sometimes eye-popping!

Michael had a heart for service, starting from his early teen years when he worked at the Lions’ Camp for Crippled Children in Louisiana. He was one of the founders of the “Cajun Express” in the 1980s, connecting displaced Louisiana folks who had moved to Raleigh during Louisiana’s oil depression. In Raleigh, he delivered for Meals on Wheels for a number of years. He loved camping and had a collection of camping equipment any camper might covet. In death, his life of service was continued by the donation of this camping equipment to the Boy Scouts.

He was very active in the life of Saint Andrews Presbyterian Church for as long as his health permitted, and a deeply committed, true Christian.

No one could hold a candle to Michael when it came to subjects in which he was interested—sailing, camping, guns, aviation, audio/video, geography and sociology, and so many other subjects. He loved to share his extensive knowledge and we all learned so much from him. We will sorely miss this and be the poorer because of the loss.

Michael is survived by daughter Kelly Arlene McKay of Raleigh, NC; son Ryan Lamar McKay of Seattle, WA; brothers David Wayne McKay of Bronson, FL, and John Scott McKay (“Scott”) of Butte La Rose, LA; first wife Maggie (Dennis) Scofield of Raleigh, NC; and other family and good friends.

Michael was preceded in death by his mother Pauline Redden McKay and father Marion Luther McKay, Jr.

A celebration of life will be held on October 20, 2021, at 11am at Saint Andrews Presbyterian Church, 7506 Falls of Neuse Rd, Raleigh, NC 27615. Pastor Lynn Stall of Saint Andrews will be officiating. Michael will be interred at the columbarium at Saint Andrews. The family requests that people attending practice social distancing outdoors and wear masks indoors. For further information please, call Maggie Scofield at 919.368.4228.

In lieu of flowers the family requests that memorial donations be made to Meals on Wheels of Wake County (https://www.wakemow.org/civicrm/contribute/transact?reset=1&id=1).