Joe C. McKinney Jr.

With great sadness, we announce the passing of Joe Clayton McKinney Jr., our dearly loved husband, father, son, brother, uncle, friend, and first responder. He will be greatly missed by his loving family, friends, and the community he served.

Joe was born September 22, 1968, in Cambridge, Massachusetts to Jennifer and Joe C. McKinney Sr. Joe passed away in San Antonio, TX on July 13th, 2021. He was an active member of the San Antonio Police Department, having served 22 years. He graduated from the Police Academy in cadet class 98A. As a patrol officer, he worked West Patrol B Shift and the Traffic Unit. In August 2006, he promoted to Detective, where he was assigned to Homicide, working with the Traffic Investigations Unit. In October 2016, he promoted to Sergeant and as of 2021, worked as the County Court Liaison.

Joe was also a prolific and award-winning novelist. He wrote over 20 novels, several novellas, countless short stories, among other odd jobs. In 2011, he won the Bram Stoker Award for Flesh Eaters and in 2013, he won the Bram Stoker Award for Dog Days.

He graduated from Trinity University in 1992 with a bachelor’s degree in History and was a distinguished alumnus of Trinity. He earned his master’s degree in English from UTSA in 2004. He met his wife, Kristina, while attending UTSA.

Joe’s favorite pastimes were cooking, reading, and enjoying time with his family. He especially loved visiting southern Colorado with his wife and children as well as taking long walks and playing with his corgis. A lifelong learner, he had an insatiable desire for knowledge. A born storyteller, he was always ready to spin a tale, was very fond of “dad” jokes, and loved trivia and history. He loved to laugh and make others laugh.

Joe is survived by his wife, Kristina McKinney and their two daughters, Elena and Brenna, his parents, Joe Sr. and Jennifer McKinney, his brother Clayton McKinney (Kimberly), and several nephews and nieces.

He was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, Ulys and Beatrice McKinney and his maternal grandparents, Arthur and Kathryn Johnson.

A funeral service will be held at Northern Hills United Methodist Church, 3703 N Loop 1604 E, San Antonio, TX 78247 on Friday, July 23rd, 2021, at 10:00 am. A reception will follow at Sunset North Funeral Home 910 N Loop 1604 E, San Antonio, TX 78232.

Flowers are welcome and can be sent to Sunset North Funeral Home; the family requests any financial contributions be made to The 100 Club of San Antonio in his honor.