Bill McKinney

Bill Ray McKinney, of the Estatoe Community, went to his heavenly home Friday, November 28, 2014 at Brian Center Health and Rehab in Spruce Pine. He was the son of the late Albert Vera and Anna Mae Autry McKinney. He was also preceded in death by his brothers; Bobby Lee and Charles Albert McKinney.Bill was a member of the Spruce Pine First Baptist church where he had served as deacon and on many committees. He had a passion for missions and had gone on many mission trips. Following graduation from Harris High School he enlisted in the Air Force where he served four years. Three of those years were in Ramstein, Germany. Bill later attended Mayland Community College. He worked at American Thread and later at OMC in Burnsville, NC until he retired. Bill was a family man with a love for church, Gospel Bluegrass, football and books.Bill is survived by his wife of forty-nine years; Annette Gravette McKinney, his daughter; Ashley Caroline Brown, his brother; Larry Dean McKinney and wife Susan of Wendell, NC, his sisters-in-laws; Shirley and Stella McKinney, his nieces; Crystal Pritchard and husband, Max Tracy McKinney, Elizabeth Wormer and husband, Michael; his nephews; Barry McKinney and wife, April, Keith and Dean McKinney and several great nieces and nephews. He is also remembered by three very special children; Kaylan Stansberry, Braxton and Lennox Riddle.The family wants to thank Lester Webb for the loving care he gave Bill during his illness and Hospice of the Blue Ridge for their care and support. A special ‘Thanks’ to the Brian Center for their dedication to the well being of all of their patients.In lieu of flowers the family requests that donations be made to: Hospice and Palliative Care of the Blue Ridge, 236 Hospital Drive, Spruce Pine, NC 28777 or the children’s fund, C/O First Baptist Church of Spruce Pine.A Celebration of Life service will be on Tuesday, December 2, 2014 at 6:00 pm at the First Baptist Church of Spruce Pine with Dr. Rocky Branch and Dr. Bob Gray officiating.Words of comfort may be e-mailed to the family by going to our website; www.webbfh.com, selecting Bill McKinney’s name and then you may sign his guestbook. Webb Funeral Home in Spruce Pine, NC is assisting the McKinney family.Read Obituary