Bill McKinney was a great man.  Heaven has gained an angel.  He will be truly missed.  RIP Bill.  ❤️❤️

We remember fondly singing in Bill’s choir and we still remember the words when we hear those familiar songs on the radio. Bill made choir rehearsal fun and yet would get the very best performance from all of us amateur singers. What a godly pastor and friend. 
As we read the obituary , we learned Bill lived in Columbus, Georgia and served at Calvary Baptist Church which is where we have been attending for 24 years. What a small world we live in. 
God bless the McKinney family in your time of loss here on earth. Bill will be forever praising his Lord in heaven for all eternity. 
Tom and Joyce Stryker
Columbus, Georgia

Prayers for all the family.  Thanks to Bill for all the great times our family had with him during the years,  He was a great example for all who knew him,

I have so many fond memories of Bill growing up at UBC.  Our whole family loved and appreciated Bill so much.  He was such a talented music minister and I always looked forward to worship on Sundays.  Prayers for your family in the coming days ahead.

Mr McKinney lived a life of service to others in the name of Jesus.  Truly a life well lived!  He was my childhood church’s choir director, my youth choir director, my private piano lessons instructor, and our family’s neighbor in McThornmor Acres.   I admired his patience with us novice singers and piano players.  Both he and Dot treated me with the utmost kindness and I would notice how they looked at each other with love.  My heartfelt condolences go out to the family during this time of loss.  We are secure in the knowledge of a heavenly reunion! 
Neva Rogers Shuler

Your dad was such a Godly influence for me in music and in serving the church.  When I graduated from the children's choir to youth choir I was so excited to finally have him as my choir director.  He demanded perfection but in a way that made you strive to become a better musician.  It was your dad that encouraged me to try out for the Acapella choir at Butler High School and that was a decision that I have never regretted.  With him and Mrs. Peck as leaders I became a much improved singer through high school and I have participated in church music in every church we have ever been a member.  I will always remember his leadership, which reached beyond music, in my life.   So long for a little while  Big Mac.

My deepest condolences to Dot, Suellen, Teresa, and Adam. I feel that Bill was the best worship leader I ever experienced. I remember he once said that his largest choir was the congregation. I felt that he meant that from the depths of his heart. He is missed by all who knew him! 
All my love and hugs, Cynthia Harmon

I am so sorry for your loss.  Mr. Mac was a larger than life influence on so many people.  He was always there with a smile and being part of his choir and youth group was a true blessing.  He was an amazing singer and leader and made being part of his choir an adventure and fun experience.  He was a great friend to our family and he will be missed greatly.
Joni Chaffin Walker

What wonderful memories my sisters and I have of youth choir and choir trips under Mr. McKinney.  His Godly leadership helped shape our Christian walk and many  others.  I know you will miss him ..please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Love in Christ,
Teri Austin Winkler

Dear McKinney family,
I am so very sorry for your loss. Mr. Mac was such a beloved, respected, dedicated man of God who was always an encouraging, kind, positive role model to so many children, teens, college students,  young families, and  adults of all ages and stages of life. 
He was an absolute blessing to me and my family. 

He was  a wonderful family man, Biblical teacher, talented musician, and minister. He influenced so many of us at UBC to become stronger Christians, and better singers, students, musicians, and servants. 

He and your family came to UBC when I was 7. What a blessing!  I was in one of his choirs or ensembles throughout his tenure at our church and beyond. 
I am still singing at churches and with the Huntsville Community Chorus which he encouraged me to participate in over 40 years ago.

At age 12, Mr. Mac was the one who told me that I could sing! Who knew? No one in my family was musical in any way. He encouraged me to appreciate, use, and share my voice and love of music with God’s people and with the community. 

My dear mother passed away  Aug. 19th  so I am  grieving, too, but I will continue to lift up your family in prayer. I love you all.
I was blessed beyond measure to have experienced the love and care, teaching and  guidance of Bill McKinney.
 ~ Sandra Smith Collier

OBITUARY

William "Bill" Tannehill McKinney

3 March, 1935 – 5 September, 2024

Valhalla Funeral Home & Memory Gardens

Show your support

Add a Memory

Share Obituary

Get Reminders

Services