William James McKay, M.D. (78) passed from this life on July 11, 2026. William (Bill) was born March 26, 1948 in Spokane, Washington to parents, Robert and Helen McKay.

Bill graduated from the University of Kansas in 1970 and earned his medical degree from the University of New Mexico School of Medicine in 1974. Bill served in the United States Army as a Major in Medical Corps of the United States Army Reserve from July 1, 1974 until July 6, 1975 when he was honorably discharged.

After completing is medical education, Dr. McKay gained extensive experience as an emergency room physician. In 1989, he joined the staff of Health Care for the Homeless Program where he supervised physicians, physician assistants, family nurse practitioners, and clinical nurse specialists. Dr. McKay also served as a faculty member at Baylor College of Medicine beginning in 1995. He played an instrumental role in the planning and implementation of the Urgent Care Center at Ben Taub General Hospital, where he served as Medical Director.

Dr. McKay later served as the Assistant Medical Director and Medical Director of Harris County Hospital-Health Care for the Homeless Program. He stepped down from this position on June 27, 2008.

From 2008 to 2021, Dr. McKay was a member of the medical staff at Texas Med Clinic in San Antonio, Texas. He retired in 2021 and later moved to Abilene, Texas where Bill and his wife Patsy are beloved members of Wylie Methodist Church.

Dr McKay is preceded in death by his parents and a sister, Patricia McKay.

He is survived by his wife, Patsy; sons, Sean (wife Linnea), and Colin; brothers, Tom (wife Lois), Tim (wife Kristine); and his wife’s children, Annette (husband Anthony), Johnny Jr (wife Michelle), and Monica. He is also survived by 11 grandchildren and 9 great grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.

A service of thanksgiving for Dr. McKay’s life will be held Sunday, October 18th at 2:00 pm at Wylie Methodist Church (3430 Antilley Road – Abilene).