Howell A McKay

Howell Angus McKay, descendant of one of Tampa’s pioneering families, passed away on Sunday, December 21, at the age of 83. The son of the late Kenneth I. McKay, Sr. and Olive Petty McKay, he was also predeceased by his brothers, Kenneth I. McKay, Jr. and Herbert G. McKay, and his sister, Shirley Savage Knight. A native and lifelong resident of Tampa, Howell graduated from H.B. Plant High School and the University of the South, Sewanee, Tenn., where he was President of Kappa Alpha Order, a member of Omicron Delta Kappa and Vice-President of Blue Key. He served in the U.S. Navy during the Korean Conflict. Returning to Tampa in 1955, he became an independent insurance agent, a career from which he retired in 2000. He was a member of the Independent Insurance Agents of Tampa and the Florida Association of Insurance Agents. Howell served on the boards of the Tampa Yacht and Country Club, American Cancer Society, Easter Seal Society, Tampa Historical Society, the Board of Advisors of The Home Association, and was a member of the Tampa Bay History Center. He was also a past member of the The Rotary Club of Tampa, Ye Mystic Krewe of Gasparilla, Merrymakers Club and St. Andrews Society of Florida. Following his retirement, he volunteered for many years at St. Joseph’s Hospital. A life-long Episcopalian, he served on the vestries of St. Andrew’s and St. Mary’s and was at present an active member of St. John’s Episcopal Church. Second only to his love for his family was his love of music. He was a classical music enthusiast and an accomplished pianist, a talent he shared for years with the residents of Canterbury Towers Health Center. Howell is survived by his wife, Joan Hedrick McKay, with whom he shared 55 years of a happy and loving marriage; son John Howell McKay (Trish) and daughter Hedy McKay Bever (Jay); granddaughters Virginia McKay Bever and Jamie Marek McKay. Always the consummate gentleman, Howell dealt with the years of disabilities following a stroke as well as Parkinson’s with dignity and courage, strengthened by his great faith and the love and support of family and friends. The family would also like to thank Bayada Nurses, especially Sharon, Maria, Sarah and Patty for their faithful, compassionate care as well as LifePath Hospice, Burgundy Team. A memorial service will take place at St. John’s Church at 11 a.m. on Saturday, December 27, with The Rev. Charles Connelly officiating. The family will receive guests at a reception in the parish hall immediately following the service. In lieu of flowers, those who wish may make a contribution to St. John’s Episcopal Church Endowment Fund, (906 S. Orleans, 33606), LifePath Hospice, (12470 N. Telecom Drive, Suite 400, Temple Terrace, 33637) or the charity of their choice.