Richard ‘Abe’ McKinney, age 71, of Duncan Street in Spruce Pine, passed away Friday, March 22, 2024 at Blue Ridge Regional Hospital in Spruce Pine.
Born on June 4, 1952 in Mitchell County, he was the son of the late Gerald and Georgia Hall McKinney.
Richard, also known as ‘Honest Abe’, was a member and deacon at Crabtree Chapel Baptist Church where he served as a deacon. He had over thirty-five years of perfect attendance for Sunday School and Sunday worship services. He loved the Lord and his church family. He also served as the Superintendent for the Mitchell County Baptist Association.
Richard was a graduate of Harris High School and attended all twelve years of school with a perfect attendance record. He retired from Henredon Furniture of Spruce Pine following twenty-five years of service and later worked for Webb Funeral Home. He never met a stranger and greeted everyone with a smile and handshake. He also loved his family and spending time with them.
Left to cherish his memory is his wife of fifty-three years; Beulah Renfro McKinney of the home; his children; Seth McKinney and wife, Masheil; Linda Edwards and husband, Doug and Kristie Whitson and husband, Brian; his grandchildren; Cass, Tim and wife, Jessie, Logan, Keisha, Austin, Jocob and wife, Abby; his great grandchildren; Tatum and Colter; his sisters; Evelyn English and husband, Jerry and Alice Bryant; special aunt, Marcel Henson; several nieces and nephews.
A time to support the family, share memories and receive friends will be on Monday, March 25, 2024 from 3:00 pm until 4:00 pm at Crabtree Chapel Baptist Church. The funeral service will be at 4:00 pm on Monday, March 25, 2024 at 4:00 pm at Crabtree Chapel Baptist Church with the Rev’s. Jason Kritz, Dallas Renfro and Don Ford officiating. Interment will be in the Crabtree Chapel Baptist Church Cemetery.
Words of comfort may be e-mailed to the family by going to our website; www.webbfh.com, selecting Richard 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.
