He was born May 20, 1934 to Eura Davis and John McKinney, in Morristown, TN. Dr. McKinney graduated from Morristown High School; Southern Missionary College with a Bachelor of Arts in 1955; and Loma Linda University with his Doctor of Medicine (MD) in 1959. He completed his medical intern year at White Memorial Medical Center in Los Angeles, CA. He married Phyllis Moyers in 1961 after launching his medical and surgical practice at Takoma Hospital in Greeneville, TN.
Dr. McKinney is survived by his wife of 59+ years, Phyllis McKinney; son, J Mark (Barbara) McKinney; daughter, Karen (Ervin) Brown; grandchildren: Joshua (Julie) McKinney, Caleb (Lauren) McKinney, Nikoli Brown, Jordan Brown, and Gabriel Brown.
Dr. McKinney was preceded in death by his son, Barry Allen McKinney; sister, Billie Jean McKinney; and parents, Eura and John McKinney.
Dr. McKinney’s lifelong dream of becoming a doctor was initiated by experiencing double pneumonia at age 6. Dr. McKinney was filled with awe by the compassion and concern that his doctor exhibited while saving his life. After Dr. McKinney finished medical school, he joined Dr. Coolidge at Takoma Hospital planning to work for 1 year before returning to California for more training. That 1 year turned into a span of 58 years of medical practice in Greeneville at Takoma Hospital and Medical Group. Dr. McKinney loved his patients and they in turn loved him.
Dr. McKinney has been active in the community, serving on the boards of the Greene County Medical Society, Community Concerts, and First TN Bank. He was the recipient of the Exchange Club Book of Golden Deeds Award, L.E. Coolidge Lifetime Achievement Award, and Tennessee Hospital Association Meritorious Service Award.
Dr. McKinney was active in his Seventh-day Adventist church serving as board member, organist, elder, visiting preacher, and Bible teacher. He presided over many funerals for patients and families in East TN. His love of music and church was also combined in a long running annual series of family Christmas Concerts provided to the community in memory of his son, Barry.
Viewing without family visitation will be available at Kiser-Rose Funeral Home on Saturday, September 26 from 2-8 PM.
A private graveside service will be held for family only.
Dr. McKinney’s pallbearers will be his grandchildren.
The family suggests that memorial contributions be made to the Greeneville (www.greenevilleadventist.org/giving) and Morristown (www.morristownchurch.org/give) Seventh-day Adventist Schools.
