Charles McKay

Charles Edward McKay, age 83, of Nokomis, FL, died on February 4, 2016. He was born in Raeford, NC to William T. and Rosa B. McKay on May 12, 1932. Before his recent move to Nokomis, he was a lifetime resident of Beaufort, NC. Charles joined the Coast Guard in 1951, serving during the Korean War, and was stationed on the cutter Agassiz. After three years of active service he continued in the USCG reserve retiring in 1971 at the rank of Chief Petty Officer, after which he continued in inactive service for an additional 20 years. Charles also retired for the US Postal Service. He and his wife enjoyed traveling in their RV all over the country and meeting new friends wherever they journeyed. After many years of RVing they divided their time between homes in Beaufort and Arcadia, FL. Charles was a member of the Masonic Lodge for 49 years and Past Master of Crissie Wright Lodge #741 in Smyrna, NC. He loved Jesus Christ and was a member of FirstBaptistChurch in Beaufort. He loved his family and worked hard for them and helped them any way he could. He will be missed by so many but they have comfort knowing he was a Christian who is now with his Heavenly Father. Surviving family members include his wife of 63 years, Barbara Goodwin McKay; son Charles, Jr. and wife Peggy of Beaufort, NC; daughter Barbara Jean and fiancé Mike Sears of Nokomis; brothers Ivan Goodwin (Eleanor) of Norcross, GA, Stephen Goodwin (Margaret) of Beaufort, and Rodney Goodwin (Annette) of Beaufort; sister Jane Culpepper (Tommie) of Beaufort; granddaughter Cara Salter (Jason) of Beaufort; great granddaughters Savannah and Sarah and many nieces, nephews, cousins and special friends. A graveside service will be held at SarasotaNationalCemetery on Monday, February 15th at 11:00 AM.