John Kay

John Kay, Sr. passed peacefully into eternal life on Thursday, October 30, 2025, at the age of 80. John was born on November 22, 1944, to Frances Mitchell and Walter Kay in Powhatan, Louisiana. He attended Powhatan Elementary School, Central High School (9-10th grades) and graduated from Allen High School in 1962 (11-12th grades). John graduated from Southern University in Baton Rouge, Louisiana with a degree in accounting. While matriculating at Southern, he met Sadie Holloway, and they were married on December 31, 1966. John was a United States Army Veteran during the Vietnam War serving in the 1st Missile Defense Battalion, 65th Artillery Platoon in Okinawa, Japan. After his service, John and Sadie lived in Venice and Santa Monica, California before welcoming their daughter, Robin. The family moved back to Baton Rouge, Louisiana where his namesake, John Jr., was born. For more than 50 years, John ran a successful carpet installation and custom rug business, serving South Louisiana and the Gulf Coast region. John was well-respected throughout the community and was highly sought after for the quality of his craftsmanship. He was once referenced in an article where his skills were highlighted in Southern Living magazine. John was an avid fisherman and made the some of the best fried turkey, fried fish and barbeque; he loved to cook and spend time with his family. At Allen High, John was in the Future Farmers of America and raised a prize-winning steer. He accepted Christ at an early age under Reverend Sam Goodman and served as Sunday School Superintendent under Reverend F.G. McHenry. John remained strong in his Christian faith and service to the Lord as a Deacon at Mt. Zion First Baptist Church under Reverend T.J. Jemison, and then New St. John Baptist Church under Reverend W. Marshall Myles until his death.

John was preceded in death his parents; sister Bessie Kay Winn; brothers Walter Kay, Jr., Alvin Kay, Willie Kay, and Eddie L. “Buddy” Kay, Sr.

John is survived by his wife of 59 years, Sadie Holloway Kay; one daughter, Robin Kay; one son, John Kay, Jr.; sister Roberta E. Kay; a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends; a special group of caregivers, and the home nurses and aides at Heart of Hospice.

A visitation for John will be held Tuesday, November 4, 2025 from 4:00pm to 8:00pm at Greenoaks Funeral Home 9595 Florida Blvd, Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70815. On Wednesday, November 5, 2025 from 10:00am to 11:00am a visitation will take place at New St John Baptist Church, 1455 South Blvd, Baton Rouge, LA 70802. The funeral service will follow starting at 11am, burial will follow at Louisiana National Cemetery, 303 W Mt Pleasant Zachary Rd, Zachary, LA 70791.