Opal Jean McVay

Opal Dixon McVay, was born September 27, 1934, in Dickinson, AL, at the home of her parents, the late Bobbie and Inez Gates. Opal passed away June 25, 2025, in Mobile, AL, among the presence of her adoring family. During that span of 90 years, she became a big part of many people’s lives.

After graduating from Clarke County High School, Opal moved to Mobile in 1952, and attended business classes and modeling school. She worked in the medical field for decades and was president of the Mobile Medical Assistants Association. Opal was active in her Pierrettes and her husband's Crewe of Columbus mystic societies. She was always ready for a cruise with friends or a luncheon with the Red Hat Society. She was a mentor and matriarch for her family. Most recently, she was a member of Bayspring Baptist Church. Opal deeply appreciated the care that Nancy and the Vital Caring team provided late in her life. Our gratitude to the Tillman’s Corner Senior Center for friendship and caring.

After the death of her first husband, Carson Dixon, Opal was fortunate to find love again, with her late husband Vance McVay. She will be laid to rest between the two of them.

Opal is survived by her daughter, Carla Dixon (Mark) Rittiner; four granddaughters, Lauren Blake, Margaret Wilkins, Cate Rittiner, Elizabeth Mangrum; four great grandchildren; three sisters, Maxine Goosen, Ernestine (Charles) Reeves, Linda Deavers; and many other relatives.

Funeral services will be held at 10am on Tuesday, July 1, 2025, at Radney Funeral Home in Mobile, with a public visitation one hour before. Graveside services will be held the same day at 1pm at Liberty Baptist Church Cemetery in Thomasville, AL.