Thomas Henry McKay, affectionally known as "Beamon" was born June 22, 1935 to the late Addie H. (McKoy) McKay and Grover C. McKay in Lillington, North Carolina located in Harnett County. He was raised by his grandmother, the late Mary McKoy after losing his parents at a very young age. He relocated to Sanford, North Carolina where he met and married his wife Etellka J. Cox of 61 years.

Thomas and Etellka were proud parents of four children. His passion was his five grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren. He was loved by all children who came in contact with him. They immediately recognized his quiet, non-judgmental, and wise demeanor that demonstrated love without saying much as a true tenant of the bible.

He enjoyed working as a long distance, cross country truck driver for 40 plus years for several trucking companies to include Westinghouse, and then retiring at Inland Trucking Company in 2004.

His favorite past time was watching baseball, attending car shows with his son, playing cards with his son, nieces and nephews, discussing politics with his daughter, and helping his sister.

He leaves to celebrate his legacy and memories spouse, Etellka Jane McKay; son, Thomas Wayne McKay (Cynthia Dillard); daughters, Deborah Dale McKay, Evelyn Gloria Carson, and Laverne Henson (Richard); sister, Cleopatra McIver; grandchildren, Danielle Riggins, Christopher Carson, Erica Stanley, Christina Settles, and April Henson; great grandchildren, Kiara Caldwell and Daniel Riggins; and a host of nieces and nephews.

A homegoing celebration will be held on Wednesday, September 30, 2015 at the Goldie Hargett Memorial Chapel, 905 E. Market St., Greensboro, NC. Visitation with the family starts at 1:00 pm followed by the service at 1:30 pm. Interment will follow at Guilford Memorial Park.