Charles Douglas Emanuel McKay of Hidden Valley quietly transitioned from this life on Wednesday, Feb. 21, at home in the presence of his wife, Isolene and his daughter, Urma.
Formally of Antigua, BWI, McKay, as he was well known, migrated to St. Thomas in 1960, searching for a better life. He worked in construction with various companies for a few years until he was employed by the West Indies Corporation (Bellows International). Charles later found his niche at the Virgin Islands Housing Authority from which he retired, after about 20 years of dedicated service, in the maintenance division.
During those years, he could also be found at the French Town Fish Market every Saturday, early in the morning. He was a master at cleaning fish and created a pleasant experience for all the customers. His friendly and jovial demeanor was appreciated by all. This part-time hustle, caused him to be featured in the Virgin Islands Daily News and Destination Virgin Islands Magazine.
Upon retirement, he became a “gypsy taxi” driver who was stationed at Four Winds Plaza. His dependability and professionalism made him a personal chauffeur for a few clients. A man of many talents, he was also a part-time barber.
The Charles’ family consists of his wife of 60 years, Isolene O. McKay; daughters: Urma McKay, Arlene McKay and Marlene McKay Brown; sons: Ira McKay and Douglas (Shanty) McKay; grandchildren: Reneicescio Malone, Marquis, Marquira, Marquelle and Marquaylla McKay, Dominique Butler, Maurice Hodge and Abijah McKay (*Preceded in death by Deanna Smith; great-grandchildren: Kearra Frett, Minka Malone, Lyla McKay, Raynaea Stevens, Kaiden Slaton and Malachi Hodge; sisters: Pamela M. Anthony, Sylvia M. Harrigan, Carmen M. Francis, Helen M. O’Garro, and Eudaly M. Williams (*Preceded in death by Catherine M. Richards, Keturah M. Thomas, Catherine McKay and Rachel M. Roberts; brother, Donald McKay (*Preceded in death by Charles (Bill), James and Malcolm McKay; daughter-in-law, Alicia McKay; sister-in-law, Sybil McKay; and brother-in-law: K. Denis O’Garro.
He is also survived by nieces: Chyrel M. Allen, Iralyn M. Raymo, Jean-Marie M. Williams, Rhonda M. Villafana, Dorne M. Joseph, Elva R. Goodwin, Shirley and Monaly Richards, Margret, Monaly and Debra McKay, Chandra M. Francis, Kishma M. Anthony, Cherecia M. Gumbs, Charmaine Francis, Shymoula F. King, Lynda Harrigan, Joycelyn and Sandra Anthony, Cecile A. Bryan, LaVerne O. Josiah, Wendy O’Garro, Avery M. Shaw, Avril W. Maynard, Eshelle and Victoria Williams, Jane and Karen Williams, Dasilyn and Susena Baptiste, Virginia R. Benjamin, Jean, Eva, Ethlyn, Donna, Gloria, Verlyn, Lena and Mary McKay (*Preceded in death by Carlene M. Byers, Augusta R. Browne and Marilyn R. Daniel).
More survivors include nephews: Duain, Donald Jr. and Roger McKay, James Jr., Dorian, Everton, Troy and Edward McKay, Charles (Jeff) and Matthew McKay, Austin (Tempo), Ronald, Aldrick, Eric (Fajah) and Athneil (Bobby) Thomas, James, Lennox and Alvin Francis, Oslyn (Charlie) and Henderson Harrigan. Rupert (Tony) Anthony Jr., Fitzroy (Figgy) O’Garro, James, Douglas and Benjamin Williams, Keithroy, and Calvin Roberts, Radley and George Baptiste, Glenroy and Kelvin McKay (*Preceded in death by Reginald Williams Jr., David Roberts, Edward Harrigan and Denroy Harrigan).
Other survivors include adopted children: Glendon Diaz and Charmaine Diaz-Mullian; special godson, Christopher Joseph Jr.; special goddaughters: Monique R. Richards and Estellita Petersen; as well as many great and great-great nieces, nephews and many other family and friends too numerous to mention.
To honor the life of Charles McKay, family and friends are invited to the Memorial Moravian Church at 9 a.m., Friday, April 5, for visitation and tributes. The homegoing service will immediately follow at 10 a.m. Interment will be in Memorial Moravian Church Cemetery.
Celebration colors are black, red and white.
Expressions of sympathy to the family may be made online at www.turnbullsfuneralhomevi.com. Professional services have been entrusted to Turnbull’s Funeral Home and Crematory Services.
