Daniel Richard McKay, Jr.

A loving husband, devoted father, and proud grandfather, Daniel Richard McKay, Jr. passed away on October 4, 2025, at the age of 76. Born on June 5, 1949, in Dallas, Texas, to Ann Dragna McKay and Daniel Richard McKay, Sr., Dan was shaped by a strong and faithful Italian Catholic influence from his mother and grandparents. He attended Sacred Heart Elementary, Jesuit College Prepatory, and graduated from North Dallas High School. From an early age, Dan worked in his family’s Dallas grocery store, where he developed the entrepreneurial spirit and leadership instincts that would serve him well throughout his life.

Dan’s childhood was filled with endless hours fishing, swimming, playing basketball and making friends wherever he went. Throughout his life, those beloved pastimes created countless precious memories as he shared them with his family. A scratch golfer most of his life, he enjoyed many happy days on the golf course with his friends. He was a lifelong sports fan—especially of college football—and could often be found cheering (and sweating) through Aggie games with his children.

Dan married the love of his life, Bette Norman McKay in 1979. Together, they moved to Kilgore with their newborn daughter, Amanda, in 1983. In 1990, Dan received his greatest birthday present, a son born on his birthday to whom he gave his name, Daniel. His family was the light of his life. Dan rededicated his faith at First Baptist Church of Kilgore and was baptized in 1996. His love for the Lord became a driving force in his life—fueling his generosity, his passion for people, and his determination to live with integrity.

With a knack for business and a passion for good food, Dan fulfilled a lifelong dream in 1997 by purchasing his own restaurant, McKay’s Ranch House. He approached the restaurant business with the same tenacity and commitment to excellence he had throughout his life. Those qualities—combined with a devoted team who became like family and a community of loyal customers--built an award-winning restaurant that continues to be a staple in East Texas for the last 28 years.

Dan was preceded in death by his parents, Daniel McKay, Sr. and Ann Dragna McKay.

Dan is survived by his wife Bette McKay; daughter Amanda McKay Berryhill and husband Tim; son Daniel McKay III and wife Anna; granddaughters Katherine Berryhill and Caroline Berryhill.

A service will be held in the Chapel at Rader Funeral Home in Kilgore at 1:00 p.m. Wednesday, October 8, 2025, with Pastor David Hampton officiating. A graveside service will follow at Rusk County Memorial Gardens.