Joe N. McVay

Joe N. McVay was born January 13, 1952, in Crawfordsville, Arkansas. He was one of eight children born to Willie Frank McVay Sr. and Susie Townsend. He accepted Christ at an early age. He was baptized at Ebenezer Baptist Church in Vincent, Arkansas, where he was a member. He attended school in Crawfordsville, Arkansas and Graduated from Crawfordsville High.

He moved to Champaign, IL in 1976. He met the love of his life, Ruby A. Alexander, in 1977. They were united in holy matrimony in 1980. From that union they had their son, Gerald and became a blended family. Joe worked for Uniroyal tires for 2 years. He then changed career paths and was hired at Illini Pella Window Company until his retirement in 2014.

Joe found joy in gardening and fishing. He had a passion for Carpentry/Woodworking. He was a wonderful handy-man and took pride in maintaining his home by painting, laying new flooring, installing windows/doors and manicuring his lawn. 

Joe was the President of  The Heavenly Seven social group, where the members distributed school supplies to children and cooked Thanksgiving dinner for seniors. He was a Group Leader for the Bible Study Fellowship (BSF). He also was a member and Deacon at the Church of the Living God until the Lord called him home on Monday, January 05, 2026.

He will be remembered for his warm smile, kindheartedness, giving spirit, love of people and unwavering support for his family.

He is survived by his loving wife, Ruby A. McVay; his children, Joseph Kirby (Dion), Anthony Kirby (Delchia), Stanley McVay, Kathleen Brown (Bonus Child), Nina Jones, Sha-kethia Perkins (Adopted), Adrian Jones and Gerald McVay (April). He has 17 Grandchildren and 21 Great Grandchildren, and siblings; Alinda McVay, Charles McVay (Barbara), Freddie McVay (Mary) and Martha Edwards. As well as a host of nieces, nephews, cousins & friends.

He was preceded in death by his mother and father, Susie Townsend and Willie Frank McVay Sr. and his brothers, Willie Frank Jr (Mac), David McVay and Raymond McVay.

A visitation will be held on Thursday January 15, 2026, from 11:00am–12:00pm; Funeral to follow beginning at Noon at The Church of the Living God, 312 E. Bradley Ave. Champaign, IL 61821. Interment will be at: Grandview Memorial Gardens, Champaign, IL Rte. 150 & Staley Road.

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