Henry Earl McKay, Jr., 83, of Birmingham, AL, a former long-time resident and businessman in Grenada, passed away Monday, September 17, 2018 at his residence. He was born June 12, 1935 in Canton, MS to Mary Elizabeth Catchings McKay and Henry Earl McKay, Sr. He graduated from Canton High School in 1953 and the University of Mississippi in 1957 where he was a member of Coach John Vaught's Ole Miss football team. After college, Earl served three years of active duty in the U. S. Air Force. He served 25 years in the Air National Guard retiring as a Colonel after 28 years of military service. He met his wife Sue Wood McKay while stationed in Columbus, MS, and they were married for over 58 years. They have two children.

Earl moved to Grenada in 1966 where he was the owner of the Cadillac, Pontiac, Buick, and GMC Truck dealership. He operated this business until he retired in 2008. In 1995, Earl was honored with the TIME Magazine Quality Dealer Award. A special edition of the magazine featured his image on the cover.

For many years, Earl served on the Board of Directors for the Trace Life Insurance Group. Additionally, he served on the Board of Directors for the Mississippi Automobile Dealers Association. He was a multiyear Delorean Award Recipient.

During his lifetime, Earl was devoted to community service through the Lions Club, his business, and his church. Earl served as President of the Lions Club in Grenada as well as a Lions Club International District Governor. Earl was also a past President of the Grenada Chamber of Commerce serving two terms. Earl was a long time member of 1 ^st Baptist Church Grenada where he served in many capacities including Chairman of the Deacons, Building Committee Chairman, and Sunday School Director. He was truly a servant leader. People will remember Earl for his loyalty, compassion, and his faith; His love for Christ is unquestionable.

Mr. McKay was an avid sports fan. He enjoyed attending Ole Miss sporting events throughout his lifetime.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 PM Saturday, September 22, 2018 at First Baptist Church in Grenada.  Interment will follow in the Oddfellows Cemetery.  The family will receive friends from 5:00 - 7:00 PM Friday evening and one hour prior to the service Saturday all at First Baptist Church.

Earl leaves behind his wife of 58 years, Sue Wood McKay; two children; Carolyn McKay Taylor of Grenada, and Dr. Henry Earl McKay, III (Sara Lynn) of Birmingham, AL; 4 grandchildren, Henry Earl ("Hal") McKay, IV, James Lucas ("Luke") McKay, Margaret McKay Taylor, and Elizabeth Carolyn Taylor; and a sister, Mary Elizabeth McKay Bryant (Lowell) of Canton.

He was preceded in death by his parents Henry Earl McKay, Sr. and Mary Elizabeth Catchings McKay.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be made to Building Fund of 1 ^st Baptist Church Grenada or the Building Fund of Meadowbrook Baptist Church, Birminigham, AL.

Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.mckibbenandguinn.com .

Arrangements have been entrusted to McKibben and Guinn Funeral Service in Grenada, (662-307-2694).