Ed Dean McKinney of East Grand Rapids, Michigan. Born 4/6/1952 to the late Howard James McKinney and Gladys Canipe McKinney of Rock House Creek Road, Spruce Pine,NC. Died 10/13/2019 from Dementia at Battle Ground VA Hospital in Grand Rapids MI.
Ed served our country and the US Army in Okinawa Japan. His civilian career as an International Photographer was very successful. He had three photos in one year of the National Geographic Hardback Calender. The centerfold Cherry Blossoms photo in Opharh magazine. Ed was a photographer for AmWay in Grand Rapids untill he retired. He still has photographs hanging in the National Home Headquarters for AmWay.
Ed shot many Weddings and Skyscapes of a number of cities, Internationally.
He is survived by the Mother of his two children, Connie (Ray)Martin-Burnsville NC, Son-Eddie McKinney wife Jennifer, Grandchildren Sean and Addyson of Cedar Springs, MI , Autumn McKinney of Florida, Daughter- Tracy McKinney Flake and Husband John of GrandRapids,MI. Grandchildren Laura Owens, Nichole Austin and John Flake of MI.
Brother Phillip McKinney wife Carolyn of Rock House Creek Road, Spruce Pine, NC. Sister Margret, Brother Rex McKinney and SonJi of Denver, NC. Nephew Sammy McKinney of Boston, Mass.
In remembrance donations can be made to Alzheimer’s Research Foundation, www.alzhemersresearchfoundation.com, 3152 Little Road, Suite 146, Trinity, FL 34655. Or to your local VA Hospital.
Celebration of life will be Saturday November 23rd at Greenlee Cemetery Dale Road, Spruce Pine at 2:00pm. Dr. Rocky Branch will be officiating the service.
This obituary is a courtesy of Yancey Funeral Services.
