Gordon "Mack McKinley" Jr.

Mack McKinley passed away Wednesday, November 10, 2021 around 7:00 in the evening after bravely battling an illness. He died just a few days short of what would have been his 73rd birthday on November 14th.

Mack was born in Galveston, TX in 1948. He was the only child of Gordon McKinley Sr. and Billie Sparks McKinley. As a graduate of the University of Texas, Mack loved all Longhorn sports. After college in August of 1974, he opened The Common Interest, which he ran for 47 years. Through the years, the bar became an Austin Institution; a place where good friends gathered, sports games were watched and songs were sung. He made so many friends at the bar, the most important of which being Shannon Wilson. Mack hired Shannon in 1975 and married her January 31, 1976.

Mack and Shannon made their lives together in Austin and raised their 3 boys here, as well. Even though Mack was a very dedicated business owner, his most gratifying job was that of father to his three boys. He took great pride in supporting them in all of the sports they played and you can still see their jerseys hung in The Common Interest today.

Mack was a hard-working, very independent man that fought through adversity his whole life. He never quit doing things on his own terms, overcoming physical limitations that may have caused others to give up. He was a loving son, husband, father and grandfather or “Pops” as he was known.

He is survived by his wife, Shannon McKinley, his son Michael McKinley, wife Brie, kids Bodie and Kai, his son Kevin McKinley, wife Candace, kids Kaylee, Kenna, Kensi and Kason, and son Brandon McKinley, wife Amber, kids Dakota and Merritt. Mack is also survived by numerous cousins close to Dallas, Chicago and Nashville.

A Memorial Service will be held at 3:00pm on Monday, November 22, 2021 at Cook-Walden Funeral Home, 6100 N. Lamar Blvd., Austin, TX 78752. A Celebration of Life will be held following the service.