Rev. Clarkson Oliver McKinney

Rev. Clarkson Oliver McKinney, 87, of Marion, went to be with the Lord, Wednesday, April 25, 2012 while at Willow Ridge Nursing Center, Rutherfordton. Born June 7, 1924, in McDowell County, he was a son of the late Oliver Dockery McKinney and Mary Ann “Mollie” Burnett McKinney. In addition to his parents, Rev. McKinney was also preceded in death by his loving wife of 60 years, LaRue Gillenwater McKinney. Reverend McKinney was Ordained as a Minister of the Gospel in 1962 and preached in several area Churches and served as Pastor at the Black Mountain Baptist Church for 24 years. He served over 37 years with Drexel Heritage Furniture until his retirement. Rev. McKinney was an avid fisherman, an expert bee keeper and enjoyed hunting.

He leaves behind to cherish his memory, three daughters, Mary Frances Cone and husband, John Rolf Cone, Elizabeth Marie McKinney and Georgia Faye Ollis, all of Marion;

Five grandchildren, Shane and Jonathan Franklin, Byron and Bradley Burnett and Haley Cobb;

Seven great grandchildren, Caleb, Kylie, Justin, Callie, Wyatt, Carter and Liam will also remember him.

Funeral Services for Rev. McKinney will be held 3:00 PM, Friday, April 27, 2012, at the Greenlee Baptist Church, Old Fort, with Dr. Jack Sammons and Rev. Ned Webb officiating. Interment will follow at the McDowell Memorial Park. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the services at the Church. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the Black Mountain Baptist Church Building Fund, 1008 Crabtree Rd., Spruce Pine, NC 28777.