William Henry McKinley

Bill was born in Winston-Salem, NC. He attended school in Durham, NC. He graduated from Southern High School and served in the US Navy on board the USS Forrestal. After being honorably discharged he continued his education at High Point College now University and received his Bachelor of Science in Business.

While at High Point College, Bill met his loving wife Catherine of more than 60 years. Bill worked while attending High Point College at the YMCA teaching young people swimming lessons.

He later became employed by RJ Reynolds Tobacco Co and moved to Charlotte NC to work in the retail market. Later in his sales career, he moved to the industrial sales business and traveled throughout five states. He was intrigued by the products he represented as most were used with large machinery within factories. The long weeks on the road made for a great weekend homecoming with a home cooked meal. Weekends consisted of basketball games and turning wrenches on cars. Bill had a passion for NASCAR racing as well. He held season tickets for over 50 years and has his picture on the wall at the speedway.

Bill served as Deacon for many years at Robinson Presbyterian Church and Back Creek ARP in Charlotte. He enjoyed the retired group at Back Creek because they were always doing odd jobs while maintaining the church property.

Bill is survived by his loving wife Catherine Martin McKinley, son William Brian McKinley, son Robert Martin McKinley and wife April and beloved granddaughter Madeline Claire McKinley. He is survived also by brother Darrell F McKinley and nephews Darrel F. McKinley III (Mac) and Mark McKinley along with niece, Katrina Phillips Hough. He was preceded in death by his parents Darrell F McKinley and Mary Faires McKinley along with sister Phyllis McKinley Phillips.

Visitation is scheduled for Saturday, March 2, 2024 at 1pm at McEwen Funeral Service located at 5716 Monroe Road in Charlotte. Funeral service will begin at 2pm with burial and military funeral honors immediately following at Sharon Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers, donations in honor of Bill can be made to Children’s Home Society of NC, P.O. Box 14608, Greensboro, NC 27415.