Fifth District News : Omega Chapter - Brother Ernest L. McKinney
Ernest McKinney Sr. - JONESBOROUGH
Ernest Lee McKinney Sr., age 86, of 119 North Lincoln Avenue , Jonesborough, peacefully departed this life on November 30, 2009, under the care of Adventa Hospice while surrounded by family and friends.
Born November 26, 1923, in Chesney , SC , he was the second eldest child of the late Jaffer Nell and Corrie Dodd McKinney.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two brothers, James Robert McKinney and Charles Hubert McKinney; three sisters, infant Margaret Ann McKinney, Eula Mae McKinney and Frances McKinney Alexander.
He graduated salutatorian from Langston High School in 1943. He continued his studies at Swift Memorial Junior College , Rogersville , TN , and graduated with top honors in May 1945. In June 1947 he graduated from A & I State College in Nashville , TN , having earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration. He later earned his Master of Arts in Education in Aug. 1964 and was awarded an honorary doctorate degree of the letters of humanities in May 2006, both from East Tennessee State University .
Ernest was a member of Bethel Christian Church, Jonesborough. He has served as an elder, Sunday school teacher, church treasurer, trustee, Christian Men’s Fellowship, church clerk, member of the adult choir and men’s chorus.
In addition to his wife of 59 years, Marion Birdwell McKinney, he is survived by two sons and two daughters-in-law, Ernest. L. “Buttons” (Brenda Spencer) McKinney Jr., Nashville, TN, and Kevin B. (Kimberly Sells) McKinney, St. Louis, MO; a nephew, William E. Alexander Sr., Waverly, TN; niece-in-law, Mary Henderson Alexander, John son City; one grandson, Raymond E.A. McKinney, Nashville; three granddaughters and one grandson-in-law, Zhay N. McKinney, Eren McKinney (Demetri) Carter, all of Nashville, Courtnie D.T. McKinney, of the home; three great-grandchildren, Nashville; one brother, Clarence E. (Jean) McKinney, John son City; three sisters, Lollie McKinney Surratt, Patricia McKinney Bizzell, both of John son City, and Clara McKinney Shepherd, Phoenix, Arizona; several nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Funeral Service will be held Friday, December 4, 2009, at 11 a.m. at Bethel Christian Church, 701 Depot St. , Jonesborough , TN , Pastor Vincent Dial, officiating.
Interment will follow in New Victory Cemetery . Active pallbearers will be Charles D. Crowe, Harvey Zachary, Paul Rice, Charles E. Ryans, Herb Henderson, Vernon Bradley and Robert Hall.
The family will receive friends from 5 to 7 PM Thursday, December 3, 2009, at Bethel Christian Church, Jonesborough, TN. Open visitation will be held at the church from 1 PM to 5:00 PM. An Omega Service will begin at 6:15 p.m.
Words of comfort can be sent to the family on our Web site. Memorials in lieu of flowers to those who desire may be made to The Pro-To Club Scholarship Fund: Pro-To Club, P.O. Box 1421 , John son City , TN 37605 and/or The Kidney TRUST, 1350 Old Bayshore Hwy., Ste 777 , Burlingame , CA 94010 , in memory of Ernest Lee McKinney Sr.
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