Rickey Wayne McKay

Rickey Wayne McKay, of Ackerman, entered into the presence of his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on November 5, 2021. Funeral services will be held at 12:00 P.M. on Monday, November 8th, at Chester Baptist Church, with Rev. Bobby McKay and Rev. Rob Faulk officiating. Visitation will be Sunday from 5:00 to 7:00 P.M. at Chester Baptist Church. Interment will be in Bethlehem Cemetery near Ackerman, MS.

Rickey was born on August 17, 1951. He was 70 years old. A native of Louisville, he grew up on a farm in the Ellison Ridge community of Winston County.  He was a graduate of Louisville High School and later received his formal education from Clarke College and Mississippi College. At the age of 17, he surrendered to the gospel ministry that would lead him to serve as pastor in churches across Mississippi. He served churches in Ackerman, Weir, Daleville, Carthage, Walnut Grove, Greenwood, Batesville, Kosciusko, Houston, and Louisville. As with the case for most pastors, they are only as effective as much as they have a spouse to support and encourage them. He had such a wife when he married Rachel Jenkins, formerly of Chester. She complemented his ministry with her beautiful singing voice and talent on the piano. The last few years of his life were a challenge due to health issues, but Rachel never left his side, and became his biggest advocate and the rock on which he leaned. They were married for 49 years.

Rickey had a few passions in his life. It has been noted that his wife, children, and grandchildren were the greatest joys and loves of his life. He once stated the happiness he received from his grandchildren was the best medicine he ever took. However, first and foremost, was his love for Jesus Christ. This was evident in the 50 plus years of pulpit ministry. In his lifetime, Rickey preached thousands of sermons and officiated an untold number of weddings and funerals. His love for Scripture permeated his messages and approach to how he treated people. Other loves he possessed were knife collecting, anything related to Mississippi State, and the Boston Celtics.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Robert (Bobby) McKay and Dorothy McKay both of Louisville.

He is survived by his wife, Rachel Jenkins McKay of Ackerman, daughter Ericka McKay Miller (husband Jay) of Pontotoc, son Bobby D. McKay (wife Amy) of Brookhaven, and 3 granddaughters Celeste Rachel Clayton, Mary Lawrence McKay, and Lydia Catherine McKay. He is also survived by his brother, Ernie McKay (Donna) of Ackerman and sister Leasa McKay of Flowood and a host of nieces and nephews.

Memorials may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association.