Ronald William McKinney

Ron was a dedicated Christian, lawyer, scholar, civic leader, and family member. A 1966 graduate of Greenville High, he went on to earn a B.A. in History from Furman University, where he was Student Body President, earned the Feaster Medal for general excellence and high moral character, and member of Quaternian. He went on to receive an M.A. in History at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and studied at the London School of Economics as a Rotary Scholar. He then earned a J.D. from the South Carolina School of Law, where he met his wife Kathy Crum.

After law school, Ron joined the South Carolina Department of Consumer Affairs as an attorney before returning to the Upstate to open his own practice: Edwards, Duggan, Reece & McKinney in Greer. While there he developed a speciality in representing municipalities and joined the City of Greenville at City Attorney in 1994. There, he served until his retirement in 2014. He was interim City Manager in 2000 and 2003. During that twenty year period, Ron provided valued guidance and trusted counsel to the City, and worked with a team proud to call Greenville home. He also excelled in the court room, where he argued and won landmark cases at the South Carolina Supreme Court. He was the former President of the South Carolina Municipal Lawyers Association. He is remembered fondly by many as a man of keen wit, sharp intellect, and true compassion for those he served.

In retirement, Ron served on the Finance Committee of Buncombe Street United Methodist Church. He was an avid attendee of the OLLI Program at Furman University, and continued his lifelong interest in learning about textile traditions and carpet weaving across the world. He was an avid reader, excellent cook, and opera buff. He was an active participant in Chautauqua, the American History Book Club at the Upcountry History Museum, and the Downtown Rotary Club. He is survived by his wife Kathy Crum McKinney, mother Doris, and sister Gail Jacobo, all of Greenville. He is also survived by his daughter Kathleen McKinney Collier (Joshua) and son William Crum McKinney (Caroline), as well as two grandchildren, Henry Crum McKinney and Margaret Tennessee McKinney, all of Raleigh. Numerous cousins in North and South Carolina, from the Chadwick and McKinney families, are proud to call him family.

A funeral for Ron will be held on Saturday, 5 November 2016, at 2:00pm at Buncombe Street United Methodist Church.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Rotary Global Scholars ? Rotary Charities, Inc., 728 N. Pleasantburg Dr., Greenville, SC 29607, the OLLI Program at Furman University, and Buncombe Street United Methodist Church.

The family is grateful for the outpouring of support for Ron and extends its sincere appreciation to all.