Louise W. McKinney, 89, of Elizabethton, passed away on Monday, March 7, 2016, at Sycamore Shoals Hospital following an extended illness. Louise was born in Mitchell County, N.C., to the late A. and Bonnie Pittman Ward. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Rev. Erby McKinney, on November 19, 2003; a grandson, Chad Grindstaff; and a brother, Lane Ward.
Louise retired from the Carter County School System as a bus driver and was a member of Doe River Baptist Church. She loved her church and her church family. She was a volunteer at Hale’s Ministry and enjoyed spending time with her family.
Those left to cherish her memory include three daughters, Carolyn Duszak, of Elizabethton, Barbara Grindstaff, of Gray, and Debbie Radford, of Elizabethton; five grandchildren, Crystal Grindstaff, of Elizabethton, Scotty Radford and Michelle Radford, both of Johnson City, Nick Kennedy and Vanessa Kennedy, both of Hampton; adopted granddaughter, Teresa Reagan, of Elizabethton; adopted son, David Flythe, of Gray; granddaughter, Jill Grindstaff Street, of Hampton; and two great-granddaughters, Renee Radford, of Johnson City, and Olivia Tester, of Hampton.
A service to honor the life of Mrs. Louise W. McKinney will be conducted at 7 p.m. Saturday, March 12, in the Chapel of Peace of Tetrick Funeral Home, Elizabethton, with Rev. James Hawk and Rev. Daniel Fink officiating. Music will be provided by Mrs. Sue Hamm. The family will receive friends in the funeral home chapel from 5 until 7 p.m. Saturday, prior to the service. The graveside service will be conducted at 2 p.m. Sunday, March 13, at Happy Valley Memorial Park. Active pallbearers will be David Flythe, Kelly Crain, Rick Hammitt, Jeff Hitechew, Kent Hyder, Thomas Tester, Raymond Ward and Bill Slagle. Honorary pallbearers will be Bobby Grindstaff and her church family. Those wishing to attend the graveside service are asked to meet at Tetrick Funeral Home of Elizabethton at 1:15 p.m. Sunday to go in procession. 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.