William McKinney, Jr.

William M. McKinney, Jr., age 94, passed away peacefully in Moses Lake, Wash., on June 24, 2024. Born in April 1930 in Marvin, N.C., William was a dedicated son, brother, father, grandfather, veteran and Christian. 

During his service in the U.S. Air Force as an aircraft and large equipment mechanic during the Korean and Vietnam Wars, William married the love of his life, his hometown sweetheart, Margaret, with whom he shared 55 wonderful years. Together, they built a legacy-filled life full of love, devotion, and generosity toward everyone they met.  

After his service in the Air Force, William continued to work as a mechanic for 18 years for Soil & Crop, Boeing and Eastern Airlines before he retired.  

Outside of work, William was a devoted father and grandfather, always supporting his family in their endeavors. He enjoyed fishing, gardening and all things baseball. William was also an active member of Emmanuel Baptist Church, where he taught Sunday School for many, many years. He will be deeply cherished by all those who served with him in the church throughout his life. 

William’s kindness, wisdom and unwavering love and steadfastness will be deeply missed by all who knew him. His legacy of integrity and generosity will continue to inspire all those whose lives he touched.  

Last but not least, his legendary wry sense of humor will always be remembered by those who knew him best.  

William is survived by his three children: Kelly McKinney Stevenson, John McKinney and Julie Wenzel (Shawn); his seven grandchildren: Katelyn Wenzel-Grette (William), Allison Wenzel, Claire Wenzel, John McKinney, Timothy McKinney, William Stevenson and Joseph Stevenson; his four sisters: Marjorie Cashion (Roy), Joyce Smith (Eric), Brenda Kay McKinney and Judy Thomas (Richard); and his two brothers: James McKinney (Brenda) and Roddy McKinney (Janice).  

He was preceded in death by his parents, William McKinney Sr. and Ella McKinney, his wife, Margaret B. McKinney, and his sisters, Patsy Ghant (Niven), Shirley Newell (Jack) and Patricia McKinney. 

A burial service, accompanied by full military honors, will be held for William at the Tahoma National Cemetery in Kent, Wash., on Friday, Aug. 16, 2024, at 2:30 p.m. 

    William McKinney, Jr. was a proud Air Force veteran who served his nation in multiple wars.