World War II Veteran and Former Miami Police Officer Turns 100 Years Old

By Carla Palmer

When Archie McKay Sr. was drafted into the U.S. Army on February 2, 1944, he was only 18 years old, hadn’t finished high school, and wasn’t sure what would come out of his life. Eighty-two years later, the veteran’s story is one of courage, perseverance, and purpose. Today, he continues to stay active and engaged, attending the outpatient rehabilitation aftercare program at Jackson North Medical Center. On November 15, 2025, he’ll celebrate his 100th birthday.

McKay’s military journey began at Camp Claiborne, Louisiana, where he trained for 13 weeks as an engineer before being sent to Europe during World War II. He landed in France and scouted terrain for military movement.

“The only time I was frightened was when those German bombs were flying over,” he recalled. “You never knew where they were going to fall.”

After Europe, McKay was deployed to Okinawa, where he worked in a rock quarry helping build a U.S. Air Force base. “We blew rocks from the side of the hill and crushed them,” he said. “They were building the airfield there.”

But the war ended before McKay could join the planned invasion of Japan. “They dropped the bomb, and that ended that,” he said.

Following his active duty, he continued his service in the Air Force and later the Air Force Reserve.

Back home in Miami, McKay completed his studies at Booker T. Washington High School, and soon began a long career in law enforcement. He joined the City of Miami Police Department in 1954, serving for 26 years and rising to the rank of sergeant before retiring in 1980 and becoming an honorary lieutenant.

His path to policing began unexpectedly—and with a bit of humor.

“I actually got into the police department as a joke,” McKay said with a laugh. “A buddy of mine told me they were hiring policemen and said, ‘Let’s go sign up.’ I told him, ‘No, man, I’m not doing that.’ Then he said, ‘Oh, you chicken.’ And I said, ‘Nobody calls me chicken and gets away with it.’ So, I went down, took the test, and got hired. That’s how it all started.”

McKay began his career during one of the most segregated periods in Miami’s history, when Black officers could only patrol Black neighborhoods, arrest Black residents, and work from a separate, Black-only precinct. Over time, he witnessed—and helped lead—the transformation to an integrated department.

“It was a fascinating job,” he said. “It gave me a chance to help people—to be like a social worker.”

Throughout his career, McKay served in uniform patrol, general investigation, and detective roles, mentoring young people and encouraging them to stay in school, make good choices, and avoid the criminal justice system.

In 1971, he and eight other Black officers filed a lawsuit against the City of Miami over inequities in promotion. Six years later, after intervention by the U.S. Justice Department, McKay was promoted to sergeant.

The case helped change policies and open doors for future generations of Black officers.

After retiring, he continued serving his community. He helped restore the historic Black Police Precinct and Courthouse Museum in Overtown and became a tour guide there, sharing stories of Miami’s early Black police officers with students and visitors.

Beyond his civic contributions, McKay has spent more than 60 years as a member of First Baptist Church of Bunche Park in Miami Gardens, where he served as chairman of the Board of Trustees, licensed minister, and deacon. He and his late wife raised seven children in Bunche Park, and he remains an active father, grandfather, and great-grandfather.

McKay now attends the outpatient rehabilitation aftercare program at Jackson North twice a week, and his determination continues to inspire those around him.

“Archie is someone you just can’t help but love,” said Michael Hearne, a physical therapy technician at Jackson North. “When he first came in, he had a lot of weakness in his legs and walked bent over. But he never let his age bother him. He always said, ‘I’m almost 100, and I’m going to make it.’ That determination is what helped him improve so quickly.”

Hearne said McKay’s discipline and drive have strengthened not only his body but the motivation of others.

“When people hear he’s 100 years old, they’re amazed,” Hearne said. “It motivates them to keep going. He’s doing leg extensions with 80 pounds now, and he doesn’t like breaks. As soon as he finishes one machine, he asks, ‘What’s next?’ He’s an inspiration to all of us.”

Even as he approaches his centennial year, McKay’s mind is sharp and his humor quick. He attributes his longevity to faith, family, and the will to keep moving.

“I feel good and excited being 99 plus,” McKay said with a smile. “I feel great.”