David Lee McKinney

peacefully on December 18, 2025, at home, in (his words)

"God's Country," Paris, Texas. Born on July 27, 1938,

in Indianapolis, Indiana, to W.N. McKinney, Sr., and

Lillian Young McKinney. After graduating Irving High

School in 1956, he attended Arlington Junior College on

a full football scholarship. His team, the A.S.C.

Rebels, won the National Junior Rose Bowl championship

both years. In 1957, he received two awards: The

Pioneer Athletic Conference "All-Conference Team" and

the Dallas Morning News "All Texas Junior College

Football Team for 1957." He then went on to play

football as a Texas Tech Red Raider.

After graduating from Texas Tech with an animal

husbandry degree, he moved to Paris, Texas, to begin

farming and ranching. However, his perfect job was

found at his shop on North Main where he excelled at

business and storytelling.

Dave was a big man with a larger presence. He

had a compassionate side and over the years helped many

who crossed his path.

David is survived by his high school sweetheart

and devoted wife of 69 years, Sylvia Campbell McKinney;

his daughters, Donna Kennemer (Larry) of Bella Vista,

Arkansas, Brenda Foster (Gary) of Huntsville, Texas, and

Linda Kay Garrison of Paris, Texas; six grandchildren,

Michael Kennemer of Paris, Eric Garrison (Heather) of

Tyler, Brandon Kennemer (Ashley) of Rogers, AR, Jessica

Foster, Lexie Kay Foster, and Garrett Foster of Spring,

TX; seven great-grandchildren, Claire Kennemer, Jase

Kennemer, Colton Garrison, Kaydence Foster, Trenton

Garrison, Lillian Kennemer and Lincoln Kennemer; sister

Kay Mejia (Paul) of Horseshoe Bay, TX, and brother

Richard McKinney (Kathy) of Lincoln, California, as well

as many nieces and nephews. Preceded in death by his

parents and brother W.N. Mac McKinney, of Spring, Texas,

and many of his good ole' loving buddies.

Our family want to express our deep gratitude to the

loving care given by Rachel Wood, Mary, and many others

at Platinum.

Services will be held at Bright-Holland Funeral Home

Chapel, 2:00 p.m. Saturday, December 27, 2025, with

visitation at 12:30 p.m.; burial at Springhill

Cemetery. Rev. Steve Gunter will officiate. Casket bearers will be: Garrett Foster, Eric Garrison, Michael Kennemer, Brandon Kennemer, Jase Kennemer, Colton Garrison, Trenton Garrison & Lincoln Kennemer. Honorary bearers will be: Larry Kennemer & Gary Foster.