Nicholas Eugene "Butch" McKay passed away in his sleep on January 30, 2026 at his home in Panama City Beach, Florida, in the care of family.

Butch is remembered for his warmth, unwavering compassion, and his enveloping Southern charm. He is championed as a tireless advocate for people living with HIV/AIDS, a pioneering force in prevention, treatment and care work, and a tenacious devotee to the fight for human rights.

Butch was born November 21, 1948 in Fairfield, Alabama, son of the late Thomas McKay and Rosie Frances Wolter McKay. He graduated Auburn University in 1971 and remained a life-long and avid Tigers football fan. In the early 1990s, he settled in the Florida panhandle and helped establish OASIS, an organization dedicated to service and support of people living with HIV/AIDS, where he would spend the next three decades contributing positively to his immediate and global communities. He remained an active and distinguished proponent of the right to dignity for all until his final days. 

He is preceded in death by his husband, Darrel Quick, siblings Kay Francis McKay and Thomas George McKay, and innumerable other of his loved ones.

Butch’s definition of family followed the same all-embracing principles as his career in service. He is survived by his sister-in-law Nora McKay; nieces, Debra (Gary) Godsey, Shari (James Owen) Beaty, Robin McKay, and Jennifer McKay; their children and grandchildren; and countless relatives, close friends, colleagues, mentors, clients and acquaintances worldwide whom Butch considered family. Many of you will recognize yourselves here. 

Plans for the Celebration of Life for Butch McKay are currently underway. A time, location, and livestream link will be announced when arrangements are finalized. 

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