William (Mac) Powell McKinney, Jr. passed away to be with the Lord on February 26, 2015. He was born in Yonkers, New York on July 31, 1925 and lived in Florida since 1953. Bill enlisted in the United States Navy on July 20, 1943 and was honorably discharged on January 5, 1946. He served as an Electrician's Mate Second Class onboard the USS TRINITY (AO-13) during World War II. He served in the American Theatre, Asiatic Pacific, and was awarded the Victory Medal. He was very proud of his service in the Navy and routinely told stories about his days aboard the TRINITY and his service during World War II. Bill was one of the first World War II veterans to fly on Honor Air to Washington, DC to view the new World War II memorial. After his discharge from the Navy, Bill worked in the electrical field for 12 years, earning his Master Electrician's License. In 1974, he subsequently opened his own business, Mighty Mac's Electric, where he worked until retiring in 1991. Bill was a lifetime member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW); Past Worthy Patron of the Order of the Eastern Star, Westconnett Chapter 247; Member of the Morocco Shrine Temple Honor Guard; and Member of the Masonic Lodge, Westconnett Chapter 297.Bill loved to play golf, fish, and work crossword puzzles in his spare time. In addition, he loved to play with his beloved dog, Pepe. He was a loving husband, father, and friend to all who knew him. He was a kind and gentle man with a great sense of humor and quick wit who was loved by all. He was predeceased by his father, William P. McKinney Sr., mother, Elsie Vreeland McKinney; and grandson, Richard L. Gatz Jr. He is survived by his wife, Gloria of 71 years marriage; son William P. McKinney III (Carol); daughter Carol Gatz (Richard); and daughter Gloria Milan (Gerald). He is also survived by his grandchildren, Ruthie Itani; William P. McKinney IV; Dana Qadadah (Ali); Kelly Cerrillo (Hector); Carol Lynn Smith; Cheryl Morton (Rodney); Gloria Boyles; Ronda Rusnak (David); William Rogers; and Gerald T. Milan, Jr. Bill had 25 great-grandchildren and five great, great-grandchildren. Family will receive friends and family 6:00 – 8:00 pm Monday, March 2, 2015 at Hardage-Giddens Town & Country Funeral Home, 7242 Normandy Blvd., Jacksonville, FL 32205, www.townandcountryfuneralhome.com. Funeral services will be 2:00 pm Tuesday, March 3, 2015 at the funeral home. Interment will follow the services at Riverside Memorial Park.
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