Born in Mitchell County, he was the son of the late Gaither McKinney and Eva Jane Ledford McKinney. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife of 45 years Viola McKinney; daughter Renea McKinney; brothers, J.B. McKinney, Clay McKinney, Jack Yelton, Ed McKinney; sisters, Opal Fox.
Those left to cherish his memory are his daughter Lynn Rynard and husband Bob who are stationed with the US Air Force in Germany; sisters, Barbara “Bob” Yelton and husband Ralph of Hickory, Winnifred “Winnie” Bridge and husband Charles of Bakersville NC; Stepson Fred Punch and wife Barbara Jean of Conover; numerous grandchildren, nieces, and nephews.
Bill was a carpenter and worked in residential home construction and commercial sectors of construction.
Bill loved making music; his instrument of choice was the mandolin. Bill, his nephew Robert, and brother in law Bryson played in a band together. Bluegrass and gospel were their specialties. Most recently, Bill was known as the guy who played and sang at the Conover Hardee’s on Saturday nights.
A funeral service will held at 2 p.m. on Wednesday, September 27, 2017 at Drum-Conover Funeral Home Chapel, 509 1st Ave S Conover NC 28613.
The family will receive friends from 1:00 p.m. to 1:45 p.m. on Wednesday prior to the service.
Burial will take place at Eastview cemetery in Newton after the funeral service.
Contributions in remembrance of Bill may be made to Catawba Regional Hospice 3975 Robinson Rd., Newton, NC 28658, 828-466-0466.
The McKinney family has entrusted funeral arrangements to Drum Funeral Home & Cremations in Conover.
Condolences may be sent to the McKinney family at www.drumfh-conover.com
SHARE OBITUARY
v.1.8.18