Joseph William “Joe Bill” McKay, 82, of Owensboro, passed away on March 26, 2025. He was born on December 19, 1942, to the late Joseph Artist McKay and Anna Filimina Bertke.
Joe Bill lived an adventurous life, one filled with friends and family. He was the Mayor of Stanley, a member of Saint Peter of Alcantara Church, a founding member of the Men’s Club, and manager of the church picnic. Every building on St. Peter’s campus contains Joe Bill’s special touch, from building the parish hall, to demolishing buildings on campus, Joe Bill helped provide for the parish community. Along with his involvement in his church, Joe Bill had many aspects of life that he loved. From his time working at Whirlpool, where he was known for driving a forklift so good that he could pick your nose, to working the family farm since he was five years old. Joe Bill enjoyed life and formed it into his ideal. From pulling tractors, to riding motorcycles, to fishing and hunting in Canada and the Dakotas, he bullied his way through life. From sitting at Dells managing the city, to managing the church picnic for 45 years, leading the way for his community. He was the founder of Greenleaf Tobacco and made friends far and wide through this business.
Along with his parents, Joe Bill is preceded in death by his brother, Charles Anthony “Tony” McKay.
Those left to cherish his memory include his loving wife of 62 years, Barbara Payne McKay; his children, Dennis (Star) McKay of Stanley, Cindy (Mark) Rhodes of Hardinsburg, and Brad (Tammy) McKay of Stanley; his grandchildren, Kaycee Workman (Austin), Dylan McKay (Casey), Dakota McKay, Kirk Rhodes, Matthew Rhodes (Caroline), Hunter McKay (Megan), Bailey McKay (Ashley), and Hannah Ballard (Bailey); his great-grandchildren, Austin Workman, Raynee Workman, Dasan McKay, Dax McKay, Mia McKay and one on the way; and his siblings, Dorothy Thomas (Dick) and Ken McKay (Edie).
Mass of a Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, March 31, 2025, at Saint Peter of Alcantara Catholic Church, with Father Will Thompson officiating. Burial to follow at St. Peter Cemetery. Friends and family are invited to visitation, at Saint Peter of Alcantara Catholic Church’s Parrish Hall, on Sunday, March 30, 2025, from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Father Will Thompson will lead in prayer at 6:00 p.m. Visitation will resume on Monday, March 31, 2025, at Saint Peter of Alcantara Catholic Church, from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service.
Expressions of sympathy can be made in the form of donations to Saint Peter of Alcantara Catholic Church, 81 Church St. Owensboro, KY, United States, Kentucky.
Haley McGinnis Funeral Home & Crematory is honored and privileged to be entrusted with Joseph William “Joe Bill” McKay’s care. Please leave condolence messages for the family of Mr. McKay and sign their virtual guestbook at www.haleymcginnis.com