Michael Jackson McKay

Michael Jackson McKay was received into the arms of Jesus on January 5, 2025. He died peacefully at home with his family holding him.
Mike was born December 29, 1955, to James (Jim) and Elizabeth (Bette) McKay in Sylacauga, Alabama. He grew up in Childersburg, the youngest of three boys. He graduated from Childersburg High School, attended the University of Alabama, and later graduated from UAB with a Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration. In 1983 he began his construction business which eventually became Oak Alley, Inc., where he worked until his passing.
He was preceded in death by his parents, James Knox McKay and Mary Elizabeth Jackson McKay, brother, Philip McKay, and nephew, Paul McKay. He is survived by his wife of 31 years, Vicky Fulmer McKay, daughter, Rachel McKay, sons James McKay and Jameson Hughes (Nancy), granddaughter Margot Hughes, brother, Jim McKay (Frances), parents-in-law and great friends, Wayne and Carolyn Fulmer, sisters-in-law, Marty Ducote (Jeaux), and Connie Lumley (Tim), many cousins, nieces, and nephews.
As President and CEO of Oak Alley, Mike led the company to earn several Alabama Remodeling Excellence Awards (AREA). Mike was active in the Greater Birmingham Association of Home Builders and the Remodelers Council, helping the chapter to earn an NAHB Cadre Award with the creation of the AREA program. He was very well respected, enjoyed many great friendships within the group, and maintained an excellent reputation within the industry.
Mike's faith was a huge part of who he was. He was raised attending Childersburg Methodist and later attended Oakmont Methodist for several years when he lived in Southside. It was there that he met his wife, Vicky. Together, they helped to charter a new congregation, Aldersgate Methodist. Mike served in several leadership positions and volunteered freely wherever he attended. When he and his wife moved to Chelsea, he once again helped to launch a new congregation, Morningstar Methodist, where he was an active member until his passing. Mike was active in his Sunday School class and enjoyed several different periods singing Bass in the choir. He was always among the first to greet new visitors, make them feel welcome, and help them to find how they might best fit into the congregation.
Family was Mike's passion. He was an amazing husband and father, always supporting and leading his family with faith. He was very active with the Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts with James, and helped Rachel pursue her interest in Soaring, taking her to lessons every week, again, making special friendships everywhere he went.
He led by example. In 2014 he took Vicky, Rachel, and James on a mission trip with Morningstar Methodist to Guatemala, where they served alongside Eyes Wide Open ministry. Rachel and James participated in the following trip and James participated in one more. While he missed the opportunity to participate in Jameson's formative years, he embraced Jameson and Nancy openly and completely and looked forward to a growing relationship with them. Their daughter, Margot, brought Mike great joy, with one of his favorite occasions being their helping celebrate his birthday a few days before he passed. He was excitedly anticipating the arrival of his 2nd grandchild this summer.
As for the dash between his birthdate and death date, Mike filled it faithfully, lovingly, and amazingly! Mike made the world a better place, and he made a difference in people's lives!
A celebration of Mike's life will be held on Friday, January 17th, 2025, at Morningstar Methodist Church. The family will receive friends beginning at 10:00 AM and the Celebration of Mike's life will be held at 11:30 AM.
In lieu of flowers, Memorial gifts for Mike may be made to Morningstar Methodist Church, 11072 Highway 11, Chelsea, AL 35043. The office phone number is (205) 678-2572.
You may also give online at www.mstarchelsea.com. Please note "Memorial for Mike McKay" on your check or online donation.