Conner Joel McKay, 12

To view Conner’s memorial video, click here.

Conner Joel McKay, 12, of Fleming Island, FL passed away Monday, January 31, 2022.  Conner was born October 12, 2009 in Jacksonville, NC to Sean and Brittany McKay.  He moved to the Clay County area 2 years ago from Gainesville, FL after his dad’s military career took them to seven different places, including North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Texas, South Carolina, and Virginia.  Conner attended Fleming Island Elementary and loved his time playing defensive end for the Fleming Island Dreadnaughts.  He was a warrior on the field and a friend to all when he was off the field.  Most important to Conner was his faith in God and he knew Jesus loved him.

Conner was smart, dependable, goofy and loved all people.  He had a confident yet easy going spirit about him that helped him make connections with people anywhere he went.  He could talk to anyone.  Conner had many dreams in life, including becoming a Navy pilot.  He also loved sharks and was very knowledgeable about them.  While living in Gainesville, Conner enjoyed mountain biking with his trail and scouting the trail for the two of them.  He also had the opportunity to earn an honorary degree in Entomology from the University of Florida while helping his dad in the lab during his Master’s program.

His enthusiasm, smile, and GO attitude will be remembered in all who knew him through his faith in Christ, encouragement to family and friends, warrior spirit on the football field, intellect in sharks, insects, cars, and a myriad of other topics, a patient angler wanting the next best way to catch a fish, a guide on the bike trail and a reminder that in life when things fail: have FAITH over fear, hit hard on the field and be best friends off, and if you are about to fall…PEDAL FASTER.

Conner is survived by his parents, Sean and Brittany McKay; his sister, Hannah McKay; as well as his great-grandparents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, his football family, and many other relatives and friends.

A memorial service will be held Thursday, February 17, 2022 at 4:00pm at Hibernia Baptist Church, 7100 US-17, Fleming Island, FL 32003.  Visitation with the family will be held one hour prior at 3:00pm.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations are made in Conner’s memory to The Cure Starts Now, https://p2p.thecurestartsnow.org/456.

Arrangements are under the care of Russell Haven of Rest Cemetery, Funeral Home and Cremation Center, 2335 Sandridge Road, Green Cove Springs, FL  32043.  Family and friends may share their condolences at: www.RHRFH.com 904-284-7720

#conner7strong