Henry Lee McVay Jr.

Henry Lee McVay Jr., 93, passed away peacefully on April 2, 2026.

Henry was born on June 11, 1932, to Henry Lee McVay Sr. and Cordelia Modene Bezzo McVay in Dardanelle, Arkansas. Henry “Lee” proudly served his country as a member of the United States Navy, then came to Illinois and later built a dedicated career working. First, as an insurance agent, and later worked at Seward Screw, and then retired from the Barber-Colman Company.

Henry was a man of simple joys and deep love for his family. He enjoyed watching Western movies and listening to music on the radio, especially his schoolmate and friend, Johnny Cash. He loved going out to eat at his favorite places like Top Hat and family restaurants, and loved exploring thrift shops alongside his beloved wife. Henry “Lee” loved telling stories about Dyess, Arkansas, where he grew up, and so many other stories about his time in the Navy and how he met his beloved, beautiful Jane.

Henry was married to his loving wife, Jane, for 53 wonderful years. Together, they built a life centered on family, laughter, and shared memories. He is survived by his son, Kevin McVay; his cherished grandchildren, Kyle (Elizabeth) McVay and Dylan McVay (Mackenzie); as well as his brother, Loynelle “Pete” McVay (Myrtle), many cousins, nieces, nephews, and extended family members whom he loved visiting and staying connected with. Preceded in death by his loving wife Jane Marie McVay (Wisocki), son Mark D. McVay, brother Thomas McVay, twin siblings Madison Dean McVay and Mary Dell Whyte (McVay), and his grandson Eric Scott McVay.

He will be remembered for his warm, golden, and absolutely loving heart, his loyalty to those he loved, and the quiet and steady way he lived his life. He was one of a kind. A soul that you often don’t come across. A soul that will live on in the hearts of everyone whose life he touched.

Visitation will be held at Honquest Funeral Home, 4311 North Mulford Road, Loves Park, IL, on Thursday, April 9, 2026, at 10:00 am, with the funeral services starting at 11:00 am. Entombment will immediately follow at Sunset Funeral Home & Memorial Gardens, 8800 N Alpine Rd, Machesney Park, IL, on Thursday, April 9, 2026. Military honors will be rendered.

Henry will be deeply missed and forever remembered by all who knew and loved him.

“Fair winds and following seas”

“Red sky at night, sailor’s delight; red sky in the morning, sailor’s warning.”

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