William Edwin McKinney

William “Bill” McKinney, age 91, passed away peacefully at the Hadlow Community Hospice Center in Jacksonville on October 18, 2016. Bill was born on January 31, 1925 to Clarence McKinney and Ollie Gregg McKinney in Tucapau (Spartanburg) South Carolina, a rural textile mill town during the Great Depression. Before finishing high school, Bill enlisted in the Navy at 18 and “enjoyed” the final two years of World War II.

Bill (a/k/a Wild Bill, Skinny McKinney, Skin, Willie, and to his mother, Precious) proudly served with the Seabees of the 111th Naval Construction Battalion along with the 128th & 53rd CB Battalions. Bill embraced the adventure and had a colorful experience with rules & regulations – all with great pride (“there are no rules in War, son”). He survived: landing on Omaha Beach during the Invasion of Normandy on D-Day plus one; the brig (first trip); the Battle of Balikpapan on Borneo in the Pacific; jumping ship in Yokohama Japan to celebrate the end of the war; the brig (second trip); and riding out a typhoon on the final trip home. WWII Medals include: American Campaign Medal, European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal, Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal, Philippine Liberation ribbon, and Victory Medal. The War had a profoundly positive effect on Bill and he was proud to serve his country. Please see “Bill’s War” on YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gnij1NAI8G4

Following an Honorable Discharge from the War, Bill met and married his wife of 59 years, Dorothy Iasillo and they had four children. For the next 40 years, Bill had a successful career with Southern Bell selling Yellow Pages advertising and enjoyed the adventures that travel brought. He was a founding member of San Jose Catholic Church and helped build the church and school under Monsignor Mortimer Danaher. Following retirement, Bill built homes in Jamaica for the poor with Father Tony Palazzolo and tended to the San Jose grounds for Monsignor John Lenihan. Bill was also a third degree member of the Knights of Columbus Bishop Kenny Council and San Jose Council as well as the Telephone Pioneers of America.

Bill’s creed in life was to always have a positive mental attitude, out work the other guy, look a man in the eye, have a firm handshake, keep your word, enjoy a good drink, and smoke a cheap cigar once in a while. And cook-out, always.

Survivors include his wife Dorothy; his children Maureen, Mark, Patrick (Kimber), and Tim (Maureen); and grandchildren Alexander, Tayler, Jacob, Matthew, Jack, and Timmy. Bill is predeceased by his parents, twin brother Bobby, numerous aunts and uncles, and his beloved sheepdog Bubba.

Visitation will be held Friday, October 21st, from 5pm to 7pm at Hardage Giddens Oaklawn Chapel at 4801 San Jose Blvd. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 1pm on Saturday, October 22nd, at San Jose Catholic Church at 3619 Toledo Road with Father Rodolfo Godinez as Celebrant. The burial will follow at St. Joseph’s Catholic Cemetery located at 11757 Old St. Augustine Road. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the wonderful people of Community Hospice of Northeast Florida at 4266 Sunbeam Rd, Jacksonville, FL 32257.

Please Sign the guestbook at www.hardagegiddensoaklawnchapel.com

HARDAGE-GIDDENS, THE OAKLAWN CHAPEL, 4801 San Jose Blvd is serving the family.