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Bruce Byron McKinney, 65, of Elizabethton, Tenn., went home to be with the Lord on Tuesday, March 12, 2024, at his home. Bruce was born in Cocoa Beach, Fla., to the late Ethan Homer McKinney and Katalin Eva “Susie” (Racsko) McKinney. In addition to his parents, he was also preceded in death by a sister, Annabell McKinney; his paternal grandparents, Merritt McKinney and Cinda Hyder McKinney; and his maternal grandparents, Jozeph and Julianna Kokeny Racsko.

Bruce was a member of the Carter County Rescue Squad between the years of 1978 and 1980 and also worked with them until his illness took his sight. 

Bruce was of the Free Will Baptist Faith and was a United States Army veteran. He loved to fly planes and traveling.

Those left to cherish and remember Bruce include his daughter, Shatonna Mitchell of Hampton; his siblings, Larry McKinney and wife Carla of Johnson City, Kenneth McKinney of Elizabethton, Michael McKinney and wife Jo of Johnson City, Bryce McKinney and wife Beverly of Elizabethton and David McKinney and wife Tonya of Johnson City; four grandchildren, Ty Pierce and wife Chloe of Elizabethton and Amanda Mitchell, Maryjane Mitchell and Bubba J. Mitchell, all of Hampton; two great-grandchildren, Josiah Patrick and Wrennleigh Pierce, due in August; a special nephew, James Brandon McKinney and wife Susan of Charlotte, N.C.; and his special friends, Jimmy and Tammy Oxendine. Several nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews and cousins also survive.

A celebration of Bruce’s life was conducted at 1 p.m. Tuesday, March 19, in the Chapel of Peace at Tetrick Funeral Home of Elizabethton with Pastor Justin Deaton officiating. The family received friends in the funeral home chapel between the hours of 12 and 1 p.m. Tuesday, prior to the service. The graveside service followed in the Oak Hill Free Will Baptist Church Cemetery. Active pallbearers were Larry McKinney, Kenneth McKinney, Michael McKinney, Bryce McKinney, David McKinney, Jimmy Oxendine, Ty Pierce and Brandon McKinney. Honorary pallbearers were Lowe and Ruby Garrison. Those who prefer memorials in lieu of flowers may make donations in memory of Bruce to the Blind Services organization of their choice. Memories and condolences may be shared by visiting Bruce’s obituary page at www.tetrickfuneralhome.com.

Tetrick Funeral Home, Elizabethton, is honored to serve the McKinney family during this difficult time.