Obituary of Steven Neal McKay

Steven Neal McKay, 73, passed away on Saturday, December 14, 2024 at his residence. Steven was born in Morgantown on October 4, 1951, a son to the late Ernest and Carrie Lea McKay. Steve had a unique upbringing and stories of shenanigans a-plenty. Many from while his family lived in and managed the Hotel Morgan through childhood and primary school; and while they owned and operated The Preston County Inn, which he helped run and manage during and after his highschool years. Steven attended both Morgantown High and Kingwood High Schools. He enjoyed watching and playing football, earning merit awards for excellence in high school football from Kingwood High before graduating with the class of 1969. After high school he enrolled in the United States Army Reserves ('71-'76) receiving accolades for expert marksmanship. Steve chose to further his education after his active time with the Army, and majored in the arts at West Virginia University, earning Bachelors degrees in Art ('74) and Fine Arts ('75). He was a member of Sigma Nu Fraternity, and had many entertaining stories about his time there. His love of the arts then led him to Kansas City working as a photographer for a few years before returning to Morgantown. Steve was also a skilled craftsman and loved woodworking, he started his own business "Steve's Specialties" in 1985 where he was able to flex his artistic abilities creating and being commissioned to build many beautiful pieces of furniture and cabinetry. He went on working as a self-employed contractor, McKay Builders, for many years building homes, and finally installing kitchens before retiring. In his middle life, Steven spent his time caring for his family, coaching his children's basketball teams, helping make Halloween costumes, gardening, laughing, and ensuring fun along the way. During retirement he enjoyed collecting firearms and was a member of the Single Action Shooting Society, where he adopted the name, "Joe Bob Ticklehammer." Steve enjoyed watching and identifying birds, had a lifelong love of music, good food, cooking, reading, The Far Side, and The Three Stooges. Steve was a happy, loving man full of humor who always enjoyed making people laugh, and was loved by countless friends and family. Steven is survived by Joan McKay, and their three children, Matthew Harris (Katherine), Brenna Williamson (Kevin), Sam McKay; five grandchildren, Lexie, Alexandra, Lane, Finnian, and Levi; a sister, Judith McKay, and brother in law Charles "Chip" Starkey (Anneke) along with many nieces and nephews. His home is full of photos, letters, and momentos from his family and friends, near and far, all of whom he adored. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two siblings; Patricia Shriver-McKay, and Richard McKay. A Celebration of Life will be scheduled at a later date. Hastings Funeral Home has been entrusted with cremation arrangements and condolences may be sent to the family online at www.hastingsfuneralhome.com