Nancy Patricia “Pat” (Maughon) McKay, 86, passed away peacefully on October 3, 2026, at Thrive Assisted Living in Columbus, GA. Born June 10, 1940 to Nancy and Howell “Jake” Maughon of Winder, GA, Pat graduated from Winder Barrow High School in 1959. She earned her BSN from Austin Peay State University in 1977. Married COL (Ret.) Donald “Buzz” M. McKay Jr. of Fitzgerald, GA on April 12, 1961.

As a child, Pat was inspired by her mother and Aunt, Caroline Wallace, to pursue what became a 30-year nursing career. She touched countless lives with her passion for caring for others. After receiving her RN license in 1977, Pat began her nursing career in Hopkinsville, KY while Buzz was stationed at Ft Campbell, KY. Pat worked at various hospitals throughout her nursing career before branching out from hospital care to in-home care, eventually becoming a Certified Occupational Health Nurse Specialist and Case Manager, closing out her career at Swift Textiles in Columbus, GA.

An even greater passion and dedication was to her family. Pat was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother. What Pat did best was care for her family.

Pat was an avid reader and gardener, becoming a Master Gardener after retirement. Pat was an amazing cook and baker collecting over 250 cookbooks. She enjoyed participating in local clubs most notably Local, State, and National Occupational Nurses, Kiwanis Club of Columbus, GA and The Students’ Club (President 2014-16). Pat was a talented decorator collecting unique and beautiful pieces from all over the world, referring to them as her treasures.

Pat was preceded in death by her parents Nancy and Howell “Jake” Maughon; husband, Col. (Ret.) Donald “Buzz” McKay, Jr.; daughter-in-law Tami (Smith) McKay and brother-in-law Randall Wages.

Pat is survived by her children Donald “Donnie” M. McKay, III of Acworth, GA, Michael “Mike” B. McKay of Columbus, GA, and Nancy “Chris” Christian Komar (Scott) of Carmel, CA; brother Howell “Kerry” S. Maughon (Cherry) and sister Kay Wages; grandchildren, Dylan McKay, Colton McKay, Morgan Ewing, Emily Fitzpatrick (Joey), Chason McKay (Lucy), Joseph Ewing, Chandler McCann, Sebastian Swetoha and great-grandchild Lawson Hayes McKay as well as numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

A celebration of life will be held on Thursday, October 8, 2026, with the Public Visitation at 2:00 PM. The service will be held at 3:00 PM. The location is McMullen Funeral Home 3874 Gentian Blvd Columbus, GA 31907

A private burial will be at 11:00 AM EST Friday, October 9, 2026, at Ft. Mitchell, Alabama.

In lieu of flowers please donate to the Kiwanis Club of Columbus. 

https://k00191.site.kiwanis.org