Henry Lee McKinney

McKINNEYHenry Lee McKinney, born January 14, 1929, completed his journey on earth April 21, 2011. Mr. McKinney was born in Forest Park, GA, and his family moved to Jacksonville, FL, in 1944. He attended Landon High School and Southside Baptist Church. Mr. McKinney worked thirty-two years with JEA, completing his career as an operating engineer at the Southside Generating Station. In his early years he played baseball and slow-pitch softball, and throughout his life his favorite sport was golf. Henry McKinney was a dedicated follower of Christ Jesus who lived his faith before his family and friends. He faithfully served Jesus Christ in the Arlington Baptist Church as a deacon, Sunday School Secretary, and member since 1953. After Jesus Christ, his Savior and Lord, he loved his wife, children, extended family and friends. He was a devoted husband and committed father. When offered the opportunity to go on the professional golf tour, he turned it down to be with his family. Mr. McKinney is preceded in death by his parents, Mr. J. B. and Mrs. Annis Lee McKinney; parents-in-law, Rev. W. H. and LaVerna Collins Salter; brother-in-law Senator Terrell Starr; brother-in-law Gaston Salter; and daughter-in-law Karren McKinney. He is survived by one sister, Celeste Starr; brothers Jay McKinney (Janet), and E.P. McKinney (Margaret); his loving wife of 62 years, LaVerna Salter McKinney; his children Teresa Ricks (Gene), Henry, Jr., Patsy Davis (Tony), Bobbie Jean Curry (Curtis), and Walter McKinney (Sue Ellen). Mr. McKinney has thirteen grandchildren: Kerri Ricks Hall (Bill), Christopher Ricks (Heather), Alicia Ricks (engaged to Shane Reed), Joshua McKinney, Adam McKinney, Jarred McKinney, Michelle Davis Stancil (Alex), Ambree Davis Gossman (Nick), Lesley Curry, Lindsey Curry Roberts (Brad), Curtis (Trey) Curry, III (Maggie), Amy McKinney, Casey McKinney; and one great-grandchild: Ethan Gossman. The family will receive friends at Corey-Kerlin Funeral Home, 940 Cesery Boulevard, from 5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., Friday, April 22, 2011. A private graveside service for the family will take place before the memorial service at 9:30 a.m., Saturday, April 23, 2011, at Evergreen Cemetery, 4535 North Main Street, conducted by Rev. Fred Norman. All friends and family are invited to a celebration of Henry McKinney’s life which will take place at Arlington Baptist Church, 6009 Arlington Road, Jacksonville, Florida, at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, April 23, 2011, conducted by Rev. Henry L. McKinney, Jr., and Pastor Joe Newton. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to Arlington Baptist Church.