Wayne C. Mckinney

Wayne Clark Mckinney was born in Attalla, Alabama on December 31, 1950. He was preceded in death by his father and mother, John Kelley McKinney and Ethel Lee (Gibbs) McKinney, his brother Jerry Garfield McKinney. He leaves behind his sister Linda Gail Harris and his aunt Mary Hollman.

Wayne married his former wife Sherrillyn Diane (Hoyt) Moore in 1969. The two were married for 26 years raising three children, one son, Ronald Dewayne McKinney, and two daughters, Angela Demetria Mckinney, and Tekesha Denise Rose. The three siblings blessed their parents with one granddaughter, Qyanna Rose, five grandsons, Akil K. McKinney, Maurice Rose, III, Ahmed W. McKinney, Austin K. McKinney, Nathaniel Lynn, and one great grandson, Akil K. Mckinney, Jr.

Wayne attended Alabama A & M in Huntsville, Alabama on a football scholarship. He received a bachelors of Business Administration from Cleary University. Wayne played semi-pro football until retiring in his early thirties. During his children's elementary years, he was the athletic coach for Dudley Elementary and he's still referred to by many as "Coach". He prided himself at being physically active and was a long-time member of the Battle Creek Y-Center.

Wayne was a beloved uncle to his siblings' children, Kiesha Askew, Tamieka Chestnut, and Ayanna Wise. He was lovingly considered a brother and uncle to his wife's eight siblings and their children, thus leaving behind numerous nieces and nephews. He loved his family and community. He was a 50 year resident of Battle Creek, Michigan and was known to be a great supporter of the youth in the community. He was a familiar face at local athletic events, graduations, and community gatherings.

Wayne accepted Jesus Christ as his lord and savior at an early age. He knew the Lord and the Lord knew him. He liked Psalm 121:1 " I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help."

Wayne is survived by his three children, Angela McKinney, Ronald McKinney and Tekesha Rose. Wayne was loved and his life will be celebrated by his family and friends through the many great memories he leaves behind.

A private funeral service to celebrate Wayne's life will be held at a later date. Interment will follow at Floral Lawn Memorial Gardens. Personal messages for the family may be placed at www.farleyestesdowdle.com.