August 23, 2013
Date of Service: August 27, 2013
Interment Location: Garden of Freedom
Walter “Lee” McKinney, 81, of Roan Mountain, entered into rest on Friday, August 23, 2013 at Roan Highlands Nursing Center following a brief illness. He was a native of Carter County and a son of the late Ralph L. and Myrtle Birchfield McKinney. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Joyce E. Burger McKinney on July 10, 2013; a son, Randy Jay McKinney; two brothers, Jack McKinney and Arnold “Ray” McKinney; and one sister, Helen Marie Tolley.
Mr. McKinney was a retired construction worker attended Heaton Creek Holiness Church. He enjoyed talking on his CB Radio, where he was known as “Big L.”
Survivors include one son, David Lee McKinney and wife Patty, Charlotte Hall, MD; two sisters, Beulah Street and husband Dillard, and Louise Hughes, all of Roan Mountain; one brother, R.L. McKinney and wife Juanita, Elizabethton; grandsons, Mitchell Jay McKinney and Brandon Lee McKinney; two granddaughters, Julie Kristine McKinney and Kara LeeAnn McKinney. Several nieces and nephews also survive.
The funeral service for Mr. McKinney will be conducted at 7:00 PM on Monday, August 26, 2013 in the Roan Mountain Church of God with Pastor Randy English and Pastor Mike Lusk, officiating. Music will be under the direction of the Street of Gold Singers. The family will receive friends from 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM in the church, prior to the service on Monday.
The graveside service will be conducted at 1:00 PM on Tuesday, August 27, 2013 at Happy Valley Memorial Park. Honorary pallbearers will be family and friends.
Those wishing to attend the graveside service are asked to meet at the cemetery at 12:55 PM on Tuesday, to go in procession.
Those who prefer memorials in lieu of flowers, may make donations to the Lions Clubs International, 300 W. 22nd Street, Oak Brook, IL 60523.
Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.tetrickfuneralhome.com and signing the guestbook or by fax 423-542-9499. Tetrick Funeral Home of Elizabethton is serving the McKinney family. Office: 423-542-2232, Obituary line 423-543-4917.
