Eugene McKinney, age 91, of the Green Mountain Community, went Home to be with the Lord on Sunday morning, June 29th, 2025, after a long battle with Alzheimer’s disease. Born on February 26th, 1934, he was a son of the late Rama and Stella Mae McCourry McKinney. He was also preceded in death by his loving wife of 60 blessed years, Gladys Fox McKinney, who passed away on September 10th, 2022. She was the love of his life. He was preceded in death as well by 6 brothers: Wayne, Rev. Royce, James, Rev. Jack, Wesley, and Sam McKinney; and a sister, Mary Dale.
Eugene grew up in tough times, working long, hard days with his hands in tobacco, hay, corn fields, and large gardens. He dedicated 22 years of loyal service to French Broad Electric Membership Corporation as an assistant stake engineer. After retirement, he enjoyed sitting on the front porch, talking to friends and special neighbors, Roger and Teresa Buchanan, whom he could always depend on anytime he needed a helping hand with anything.
He is survived by a sister, Helen McKinney of Green Mountain, and several extended family members and friends.
Funeral services will be held at 12 noon on Saturday, July 5th in the chapel of Yancey Funeral Services. Rev. Roger Hylemon will officiate. Burial will follow in the Zion Baptist Church Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 11 a.m. until 12 noon at the funeral home prior to the funeral service.
The family would like to extend special thanks to the staff of Hospice of the Blue Ridge for their kindness and loving care of Eugene during his last days, with special thanks to Rita, Pete, Anita, Wanda, Lynn and Cathy for their loving care. Memorial donations may be made to Hospice and Palliative Care of the Blue Ridge at 236 Hospital Drive, Spruce Pine, NC 28777.
To send online condolences, please visit our website at www.yanceyfuneralservice.com.
