Richard Mckinney

Richard E. McKinney, 93, of Pisgah Forest, passed away on Monday, January 4, 2021. A native of Buncombe County, NC, he was the son of the late William and Olive Lusk McKinney. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his first wife of 59 years, Rue Waldrop McKinney, his brother Lee McKinney, and his sisters Linda Black, Margaret Jenkins, Lola Cole and Thelma McKinney.

A United States Veteran, he served in the Army Air Corps and aided in the clean-up of Japan immediately after the end of WWII. His fervent desire to serve his Country led him to enter the service when he was just 17 years-old, a few days shy of his 18th birthday.

He went to Warren Wilson College where he met and later married, Rue Waldrop. They were charter members of Temple Baptist Church in Brevard where he taught Young Adult Sunday School for over 50 years, sang in the church choir and served on the Board of Deacons.

An avid gardener and golfer, he also played baseball for the Olin baseball team.  He enjoyed fishing and going to the beach, but his true love was his family. He never missed a tennis match, baseball, basketball or soccer game where his grandchildren played.  With a fondness for professional sports as well, he often watched the Golf Channel or cheered on the Braves and Carolina Tarheels.

He loved life and emanated joy.  Few people crossed his path that were not greeted with a big hug and grin, even those he did not know all that well!

His loving survivors include his wife of 9 years, Doris Elliot McKinney; children Yvonne Hogsed (Darrell) of Brevard, Sheila Mann (George) of Fort Smith, AR, Millie Worley (Keith) of Pisgah Forest, NC, and Fay Cameron (Donald) of Charleston, SC; grandchildren: Kristen Nardone (Jason), Tracey Conner (Luke), Adam Hogsed, Jeremy McCoy (Melissa), Adrienne Hall, Jordan Hall, Christopher Cameron (Elizabeth), Michelle Bulwinkle (Joe); Angie LaFlamme (Shawn), Michael Cameron (Brittney), Carrie Leahy (Ryan); numerous great-grandchildren; brothers Jerry McKinney (Dean) of Asheville, NC and Bill McKinney (Annette) of Charlotte, NC; Doris’ daughter Teresa Kennedy (Tom), grandchildren Tracy Hanrahan (Brian) and Brandon Chandler (Ashely) and several great-grandchildren.

A Memorial Service will be held at 1:00 PM on Saturday, January 9, 2021 at Temple Baptist Church in Brevard with Rev. Joel Mikell officiating.

The family encourages donations in Gratitude to the John F. Keever, Jr. Solace Center in memory of Richard McKinney, Care Partners Solace Center, c/o WNC Bridge Foundation Bereavement/Hospice Assistance, P O Box 1315, Arden NC 28704 or at www.wncbridge.org or to Temple Baptist Church, PO Box 126, Pisgah Forest, NC 28768.

To leave a condolence or memory for the family of Richard McKinney, please visit “obituaries” at www.moore-fh.com.

Moore-Blanchard Funerals & Cremations is honored to serve the family.