Ray ‘Tommy’ Gilbert McKinney, age 84, of Elkins Road in Bakersville, the Ledger community, passed away Friday, July 11, 2025 at the Greens in Spruce Pine.
Born on April 9, 1941 in Mitchell County, he was the son of the late Fred and Nina Biddix McKinney. Also preceding him in death, was his first wife; Mary Sue Bennet McKinney, his son; Curtis Ray McKinney and his sisters; Patsy Stroud and Carol McKinney.
Tommy retired from the Charlotte Fire Department. Later he worked for the Mitchell County Schools and was awarded the Volunteer of the Month from Blue Ridge Regional Hospital. He was a graduate of Harris High School, a veteran of the U.S. Navy and a member of Vesper Masonic Lodge #554 AF & AM.
In Charlotte, he was a member of the Westchester Optimist Club where he coached youth sports including basketball, football and baseball. He truly loved working with young people. He also was a short-wave radio operator, enjoyed square dancing and singing with the Golden Age Singers.
Left to cherish his memories are his wife; Karen Greene McKinney, his sons; Rick McKinney and wife, Kristie of Bakersville and Neil McKinney and wife, Kasida of Lincolnton, his brothers; Ted McKinney and wife, Kathy of Spruce Pine and Dennis McKinney and wife, Renee of Spruce Pine, his sister, Linda Parlier of Morganton, his grandchildren; Chase McKinney, Lauren McKinney, Kailyn McKinney, Keaton McKinney, and Isabella McKinney, and his great grandchildren; Aiden and Grayson.
Graveside services and interment will be at 10:00 am Monday, July 14, 2025 in the Grassy Creek Memorial Gardens with the Rev. Blake Glenn officiating. Masonic graveside rites will be provided by Vesper Masonic Lodge #554 AF & AM.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations be made to; Hospice & Palliative Care of the Blue Ridge, 236 Hospital Drive, Spruce Pine, NC 28777 www.hospiceblueridge.com
The family would like to extend a special ‘Thank You’ to the staff of The Green’s and the staff of Hospice & Palliative Care for their care of Tommy.
Words of comfort may be e-mailed to the family by going to the website; www.webbfh.com, selecting Tommy McKinney’s name and then you may sign his guestbook.
Webb Funeral Home has been entrusted with the arrangements for Mr. McKinney and is honored to be serving the McKinney family.
Mr. McKinney’s obituary has also been posted on Facebook for viewing
