Clell and Elsie McKinney

McLean, VA — Colonel Clell H. “Mac” McKinney, Jr. passed away on December 6, 2018 in the home he designed and built with his sons, in McLean, VA. His wife of more than 70 years, Elsie Gregory McKinney, passed away on December 17, 2018. Col. McKinney was 97 and Mrs. McKinney was 96.

Born in St. Petersburg, FL to Fay Gregory and Virgil Gregory, Mrs. McKinney was an only child who loved music. She was a proper young lady. Her husband was much more of a country boy, born in Fayetteville, TN, to Clell McKinney, Sr. and Mildred Morgan.

In 1942, Col. McKinney lied about his age in order to join the Army Air Corps during World War II, becoming a fighter pilot and flying over a hundred combat missions in the Pacific theater, including Burma. At the end of the war, he stayed in the Army Air Corps and transitioned to the Air Force when it was established in 1947. Among other things, he served as a flight instructor in the Air Force.

While stationed in Tallahassee, FL, after the war, Col. McKinney and the then Ms. Gregory were introduced by mutual friends. The two were married shortly thereafter and had their first son in 1949. With the outbreak of war in Korea, Col. McKinney again saw combat, flying another one hundred combat missions with the 25th Fighter Squadron, part of the 51st Fighter Wing. Mrs. McKinney and their young son moved to be near relatives during this time.

Throughout his career, Col. McKinney earned numerous medals including an Air Medal with five oak leaf clusters and a Distinguished Flying Cross. An MIT Alfred P. Sloan fellow and a graduate of the Air Force Institute of Technology, Col. McKinney earned several degrees, including an MBA and Master’s degree in aeronautical engineering.

The McKinneys went on to have two more sons, a rambunctious bunch that kept Mrs. McKinney’s days full. Together, the McKinneys moved a total of 13 times during Col. McKinney’s military career. After 23 years in the military, Col. McKinney retired, but never one to sit idle, he started a second career, working for the Hughes Aircraft Company as a liaison to NASA.

As a fighter pilot who felt the need for speed, Col. McKinney loved anything that went fast, including motorcycles, planes, sports cars and boats. One of his favorite spots in the world was Lake Gaston, NC, where he built a home for his family to spend summers. Mrs. McKinney was a great complement to her driven husband. She was a soft-spoken, compassionate, strong woman who was devoted to her husband and their three boys. Mrs. McKinney was very creative and loved sewing, cooking and painting. In her younger days, she played the steel guitar in a small local Florida band. Together, the McKinneys played golf and loved to read and host gatherings for their friends and family.

Mrs. and Col. McKinney are survived by four grandchildren; Josh J. McKinney, Amanda A. McKinney, Brittany M. Walsh, and Lindsey M. McKinney. Mrs. and Col. McKinney are now with his three sons who proceeded them in death: Michael C. McKinney, Gary H. McKinney and Gregory L. McKinney.

The Col. and Mrs. McKinney's funeral with full military honors will occur at 3:00 PM Friday, March 29, 2019 at Arlington National Cemetery.