Edgar Lee McKay

Edgar Lee McKay (Red), age 100, of Gulfport, MS, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, June 24, 2025, at St. Joseph Hospice in Gulfport.

Edgar Lee (Red) was born January 2, 1925, in Gulfport, MS to Edward D. McKay and Mandy Tanner McKay. He was the beloved husband to Addie Nell Pennington McKay (Penny), and devoted father to Johnny Lee McKay (Linda), Nadiene Sohn (Gene), Patricia (Patsy) Sweeting (Mike), and Terry Wilhelm (Alan). He was the cherished grandfather to nine grandchildren, 13 great grandchildren, and 4 1/2 great-great-grandchildren. 

He is preceded in death by his parents and five of his siblings. He has one surviving sister, Ellen Wilson. Red was a devoted Christian, finding strength and guidance in his faith throughout his life. He was a man of deep faith, actively involved with his church, serving from custodian to Sunday school teacher to a treasured Board member. 

Red's greatest joy was his family, always putting their needs first. He will be deeply missed by those who remember him for his kindness, generosity, and unwavering love. 

Red impacted the lives of many as he served in many activities. He was instrumental in the creation of the Gulfport Boxing Club, a Chess Club through the Gulfport Recreation Department. He coached elementary football, baseball, and basketball. He was a reverend and feared pitcher on the church softball league. He also served as an auxiliary policeman.

During his life, he was employed in multiple jobs with his major employment at the Dedeaux Packing Company and Stockyard for 35 years. He also worked as a Nursing Assistant at the Gulfport Veteran Administration Hospital. 

Red's World War II military life was served in the U. S. Army. As a member of the 4th Armored Division, 10th Armored Infantry Regiment, under the command of General Patton, Red was captured in Germany, wounded, and reported as "Missing in Action." He was a POW from March 27, 1945, until April 18, 1945, when he was freed from time served in Stalag 13C. He received the Bronze Star for Valor, the Purple Heart Medal, and other associated medals. 

His family would like to thank the multitude of friends and family for their love and prayers during this time. They would like to also thank the doctors and nurses, too many to name, of Gulfport Memorial Hospital and St. Joseph Hospice. 

A funeral service will be held Sunday, June 29, 2025, at Crossway Church, 2600 22nd Avenue, Gulfport, MS, beginning at 3:00 PM. Friends are invited to join the family for a visitation from 2:00 PM until 3:00 PM, at the Crossway Church. Interment will be at Evergreen Cemetery. Proudly serving as pallbearers, three grandsons and three great grandsons, are Brooks McKay, Damian McKay, Britt McKay, Jake McKay, Jack McKay, Mike Oglialoro, and Michael Oglialoro,

Riemann Family Funeral Home, Gulfport, is honored to be entrusted with the arrangements. On-line condolences can be made at www.riemannfamily.com.