Dr. John D McKey

1917 - 2017

Dr. John D McKey obituary, 1917-2017, Orlando, FL

BORN

1917

DIED

2017

FUNERAL HOME

Baldwin-Fairchild Ivanhoe

301 NE Ivanhoe Blvd

Orlando, Florida

John McKey Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers on Oct. 15, 2017.

Dr. John McKey, passed away peacefully on Friday, October 13, 2017. Dr. McKey was born in Valdosta, Georgia on July 22, 1917. He was the son of Thomas Howard McKey and Edna Baker McKey, and the youngest of four children. John cultivated his love of golf beginning at the age of ten when he first caddied for his father - not carrying his father's clubs, but a thermos of milk instead. He went on to become a life-long competitive golfer, winning many amateur tournaments and making many golfing friends around the country. He still holds the record at Pinehurst #2 making 3 eagles and a birdie on the 4 par fives. He graduated from Valdosta High School, second in his class, and went on to attend Emory University where he received his Doctor of Medicine in 1941. That same year, he married Joyce Ellison Roper in Atlanta, GA. John served overseas as a physician in the United States Navy, and after the war ended, he and Joyce moved to Orlando in 1946. He established his medical practice at 320 N. Main St., and went on to become the first board certified pediatrician in Orlando. Dr. McKey cared for thousands of children and multiple generations of families. He made house calls long after the practice was no longer in style. His calm demeanor reassured parents and endeared him to his patients. Dr. McKey ended every office visit with a lollipop. He retired at the age of 81, becoming the longest practicing physician in Orlando. This achievement is only surpassed by his 71 year marriage to the love of his life, Joyce. He and Joyce enjoyed their later years spending summers in Highlands, North Carolina, where they made many friends and reveled in their morning coffee on the porch. John was a lifelong member of the Central Christian Church, Rotary Club of Orlando, Orlando Country Club and Highlands Country Club. He proudly celebrated his 100th birthday in July with many friends and family. He is preceded in death by his wife. He is survived by his children, John McKey Jr. and Joy McKey. He is also survived by 4 granddaughters, Carrie Grote (Tom), Erin Elliott (Andy), Allison Nichols (Justin), and Ashley Behm (Aaron), as well as 4 great-granddaughters and 1 great-grandson. A celebration of his life will be held on Friday, October 20, at 1:00pm, at The Central Christian Church, 250 S.W. Ivanhoe Blvd. Those wishing are welcome to donation to the Central Christian Church, General Fund, in memory of Dr. McKey.

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February 5, 2018

Debra Morse

Dr. McKey, You dear, sweet man. You took every call from every parent every day. I had the honor of being his office nurse for a brief year before I found him Pat. What a great pediatrician, American, Veteran, and man. God bless you. Keep the golf balls flying in heaven

December 28, 2017

Mike Trapp

What a great man. I remember going to his office as a kid. Always calming. Remember being in his office when I heard of the Kennedy assassination. Also house calls. Try that now. Well done good and faithful servant☺

December 27, 2017

Mike Trapp

What a great man. I remember going to his office as a kid. Always calming. Remember being in his office when I heard of the Kennedy assassination. Also house calls. Try that now. Well done good and faithful servant☺

November 4, 2017

This is very sad news I heard just today. Dr. McKey was such a awesome man,and doctor. Dr. McKey took care of me and my twin brother, as well as my sister and all of our cousins. I think everyone went to him. My child also went to him and we were so blessed to be a part of his retirement party. I made the cakes for his party, and met so many wonderful friends and family of Dr. McKey. For years I kept in contact with him, sending he and his wife Christmas cards. He always called and thanked me wishing me a Merry Christmas. There are not enough words to express the kindness of this man. Loved him as a child and as a parent. My parents always said if it were not for him, I would not have made it, because I was a very small twin and he took care of me. I will never forget Dr. McKey, such a true legend of the Orlando area. I know you and Mrs. McKey are together again, and hitting those golf balls in the most beautiful place.
So blessed to have known this wonderful man.
Cindy Collins
Winter Park, Fl

October 20, 2017

Peggy Wing Bedford

Oh my - another legend has gone to be with Jesus. Dr. McKey was my and my siblings pediatrician and I remember 'that voice" so well. He attended my Mom's 85th birthday celebration up in the mountains of North Georgia to the delight of all of us. It was wonderful to see him again! Thank you for taking such good care of my siblings and I back in the 50's and 60's. You were the best! And thanks for the lollipops!

October 20, 2017

Friend

Sissy and Chuck Meyer

Dr John McKey was one of the finest and dearest man we have ever known.
We could have never raised 5 children without his wonderful and perfection as
our Children's devoted doctor. He was a true Blessing from God. Our love for him will be forever.

October 19, 2017

Rev Fr Roger Phillips

I had the privilege of babysitting his children in the early 50s. He and his lovely wife Joyce were friends of my parents, Roger and Larrie Phillips. May the soul of the faithful Rest In Peace and light perpetual shine upon him.
Rev Fr Roger Phillips

October 18, 2017

Peggy Kirton

I had 5 children before the oldest turned 5 by the age of 24. A young and dumb mother overwhelmed with the responsibility of those precious young lives. Dr. McKey saved me from all sorts of melt downs time and time again...his gentle voice assuring me "you're doing fine Mrs. Kirton" when I was just positive that I was a miserable failure as a mother. Oh! how I loved this man who ALWAYS took the time to keep me and my children safe and sound.

I don't remember how I found Dr. McKey...but I have remembered all these years (kids are now 61, 60, 59, 58, 57) the MOST WONDERFUL doctor and person I have ever met. A kind, caring, brilliant and wise pediatric doctor who I believe saved many a mother from utter disaster time and time again. Dr. McKey was one of a kind and there will probably never be another doctor like him ever.

I was a better mother and I am a grateful person all because of this unbelievably marvelous man.

October 18, 2017

John Russell

Home is the sailor, home from the sea,
And the hunter home from the hill.

Robert Louis Stevenson. 18501894

October 17, 2017

Cathryn Crosbie Blair

Dr McKey is now with THE GREAT PHYSICIAN. Thoughts and prayers with the grieving family and friends.

October 17, 2017

Allen Cooper

My condolences to Dr. McKey's family. He was my doctor from 1960 till 1973 and his calm and reassuring manner made the trips to his office better even when it hurt. The lollipops helped too.
In later years I would see him at his favorite place, the golf course, and he would ask how I was doing and show genuine interest in my journey through life.
Dr. McKey was a kind and gracious man. I remember him fondly and with great respect.
God bless and keep him always.

October 16, 2017

Ray Bradick

Dr McKey was my pediatrician from my birth in 1948 until I got out of Elementary school. He made house calls for all my ear infections growing up. He was also my son's doctor in the early 80's. He was the epitome of a professional with a wonderful bedside manor. We miss doctors like him. May he Rest In Peace and play golf every day in heaven.

October 16, 2017

Loretta Anderson

Remembering Dr. McKey from the 1970's , lovely man.

October 15, 2017

I was a patient of Dr.Medlocks but saw Dr. McKey a few times. They were such great Doctors I took my son to them as well. May he Rest In Peace. My thoughts and prayers go out to your family.

October 15, 2017

Maria Muszynski Smith

He led a service filled life. He was my siblings and my pediatrician throughout our childhood. He became my first child's pediatrician years later and still inspired such comfort! I can still remember his voice giving solid ,calming advice. Prayers for all of his family.

October 15, 2017

A Letter to Dr. McKey,

Dr. McKey, John and I hope that sometime in those early years (1950's) we thanked you for taking such good care of us. You were always so patient and kind when we came for a visit to your office. The only times that we remember that we "misbehaved" was the times that you would order a shot. Then I know we were not good for you, as our Mother talked about our behavior all the way home. Thank you again for helping us grow up in good health. We know that Jesus is so happy to have his Son, The Doctor Home with him!

S/Sgt. John Michael Ratliff & Mrs. Jane Margaret Ratliff Rolland.

October 15, 2017

Emily Singleton

I loved Dr. McKey...he was our pediatrician and a friend of my parents, Del and Dot Schirmer. Dr. McKey was my childrens' pediatrician as well. It's wonderful to see what a long life he led...my parents have both been gone for many years...so, John and Joy, I'm happy that you had your dad for as long as you did, though I know the loss is painful. ~Emily Schirmer-Singleton.

October 15, 2017

Jill King

My sincere condolenses to John's family.

John was a very nice man. I knew him for many years
before I left Orlando.

We crossed paths in the Medical Profession and also
at The Country Club of Orlando, where his golfing
prowess was well known and admired.

We lost touch when I moved to Ohio, but I always remembered
him as a very kind and caring person.

Rest in peace John......

October 15, 2017

Beverly Starcher

I was born in Orlando in 1957 and Dr. McKey was my pediatrician until I was 12 or so. I remember that I never had to dread doctor's appointments because he was a wonderful doctor and great with kids. He will truly be missed.

Showing 1 - 19 of 19 results

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Memorial Events
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Oct

20

Celebration of Life

1:00 p.m.

The Central Christian Church

250 S.W. Ivanhoe Blvd, FL

Funeral services provided by:

Baldwin-Fairchild Ivanhoe

301 NE Ivanhoe Blvd, Orlando, FL 32804

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