David Alden McKinney, 87, of Elizabethton, passed away on Monday, February 1, 2016, at Johnson City Medical Center. David was born in Burnsville, N.C., to the late David Richard McKinney and Ella Burnette McKinney. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife of 63 years, Marjorie Ann McKinney; five brothers, Fred, Warren, Clyde, John and James McKinney; and four sisters, Lula, Blanche, Edthe and Grace.
David retired as a salesman for Lays Packing Company and attended the Church of God. He enjoyed shooting pool and most especially spending time with his grandchildren and family.
Those left to cherish his memory include his daughter, Debbie McKinney Berry and husband Keith, of Elizabethton; three sons, Donald Ray “D.R.” McKinney and David “Doc” McKinney and wife Janie, all of Elizabethton, and Dale Allen McKinney, of Johnson City; three grandchildren, Sara Berry Wagner and husband Steven, of Elizabethton, Leslie Ann McKinney Godfrey and husband Jonathan, of Knoxville, and Hollie Jo McKinney Bulla and husband John, of Elizabethton; and two great-grandchildren, Lawson and Marley Wagner. Several nieces and nephews also survive.
A service to honor the life of David Alden McKinney will be conducted at 6 p.m. Friday, February 5, in the Chapel of Peace at Tetrick Funeral Home of Elizabethton with Rev. Carroll Melton officiating. Music will be under the direction of Susan Rhodes. The family will receive friends in the funeral home chapel from 4 until 6 p.m. Friday, prior to the service. The graveside service will be conducted at 11 a.m. Saturday, February 6, at Happy Valley Memorial Park. Active pallbearers will be Chris Stanbery, Marc Keene, Keith Berry, John Bulla, Jonathan Godfrey and David Smith. Honorary pallbearers will be Darrell Peters, Jimmy Wilcox, Jesse Nidiffer, Chris Tidwell, Dirk Tidwell, Mick Mathis and Berry Mathis. Those wishing to attend the service are asked to meet at the funeral home at 10:15 a.m. Saturday to go in procession. The family would like to express a special thank you to Judy Deloach of Ivy Hall Nursing Home, Joseph Taylor, Tammy Hyder, Janelle Carter and all the caregivers at Ivy Hall. Those who prefer memorials in lieu of flowers, may make donations to the American Cancer Society, C/O Lou Cooter, 415 Washington Avenue, Elizabethton, TN 37643. Online condolences may be shared with the family at our website, www.tetrickfuneralhome.com.
Tetrick Funeral Home, Elizabethton, is serving the McKinney family. Office: (423) 542-2232. Obituary Line: (423) 543-4917.