Paul Winfred McKay

1942 - 2025

Paul Winfred McKay, age 83, Went to be with his Savior and Lord, Jesus Christ on Aug. 16, 2025, surrounded by his family after an extended illness. He was born Feb. 2, 1942, to the late Paul Wilson and Cleo Smith McKay.
A lifelong resident of Rabun County, and a Member of Wolf Creek Baptist Church, where he served as a deacon for many years. He was a graduate of Rabun County High School the class of 1960. After graduation he served in the United States Navy as a bomb tech on the aircraft carrier Intrepid. Completing his service, he returned to Rabun County and built a successful construction company. Winfred worked in Masonry and construction; he built many custom homes. He often worked with engineers and architects on the more complex homes, several of which were written up in Architectural Magazines.
He treasured time spent with his family and enjoyed traveling with family and friends. He was active in the community, always willing to lend a helping hand. He worked with special groups to help establish the Lakemont/ Wiley fire department. He was an early member of the Rabun County Builders Club. His kind spirit and unwavering faith made an impression on all he came in touch with. He will be remembered not only for what he accomplished but for who he was – a man of integrity with a generous spirit.
In addition to his parents Winfred was preceded in death by three brothers-in-law Edgar Watts, Timothy Kilby, Carl J. Kilby.
He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Carolyn Kilby McKay; two sons, Wesley Paul McKay (Dana), Warren Carl McKay (Kelly); as well as his four cherished grandchildren, Lindsay Lynn (Joshua), Lauren McKay, Connor McKay, Megan McKay; his beloved sister Frances McKay Watts; sister-in-law, Shirley Nall (Leland); three brothers-in-law, Gary Kilby (Karen Lynn), Kenneth Kilby (Janice), and Dale Kilby (Pam). He has a huge family of nieces, nephews, cousins as well as lifelong friends who also survive.
The family received friends Monday, Aug. 18, 2025, from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m. at Beck Funeral Home. A funeral service was held in the chapel of Beck Funeral Home Tuesday, Aug. 19, 2025, at 11 a.m. with Rev. Michael Rogers officiating. Interment will follow in the Wolf Creek Baptist Church Cemetery.
Donations may be made to Alzheimer's Association Georgia, State and Metro Atlanta Service Area 41 Perimeter Center East, Suite 550 Atlanta, GA 30346 in memory of Winfred McKay.
Beck Funeral Home, in Clayton, Ga., is in charge of the arrangements and is honored to serve the family of Paul Winfred McKay. If there are any questions, please call 706-782-9599. An online Memorial Register Book is available at www.beckfuneralhome.com.
The Clayton Tribune
Aug. 21, 2025