~~Robert Lee King McKinney, was born on August 20, 1946 in Myrtle, MS to James and Alberta (nee: Jackson) Mckinney. Robert received his formal education at UCTS (Union County Training School) in New Albany, MS and Washington Park High School in Racine, WI.
Robert was employed by Standard Foundry before entering the United States Marine Corps. His military service included a tour of duty in Vietnam and he was honorably discharged in 1972. Upon his return to civilian life he became employed by American Motors Corporation in Kenosha, WI, he retired after working for 30 years. Robert enjoyed playing the lottery (the daily game only) and meeting people. Robert found most of his enjoyment while entertaining his family and friends with his endless life stories which included not only his own but also of family, friends and even strangers. He loved to make anyone around him smile.
Robert departed this life on April 24, 2015 at his residence in Zion, IL. He was preceded in death by his mother, Alberta (nee: Jackson) Adams; brother, Roscoe Smith and his first wife, Ernestine Mckinney. He leaves to cherish his wonderful memories, his children, Robbiya McKinney(Roderick V. Nelson), Akiya (Maurice) Cole-White, their mother, Lucille McKinney all of Zion, IL, Robert McKinney Jr and Angelique Oates of San Diego, CA; his grandchildren, Jaelen, and Tristan of Zion, IL, Norman, Manuel, Andre, Angelique and Robert Mickinney III, Roshaun, Layshaun and Deonte all of San Diego, CA; his siblings, Frank (Debra) Smith of Toledo, OH, Mabel Upchurch, Retha and Wanda Smith of Racine, WI, Doris Smith of Burlington, WI and Hope Smith of Milwaukee, WI; he is further survived by his special friends, Gladis and Jodie Moore, Kenny Tyler, Robert Williams all of Zion, IL, Virgil Bates, Precinda Cain, Lacey (Charlene) King of Racine, WI as well as a host of other loving relatives and friends.
A celebration of his life will be held on Monday, May 4, 2015, 11:00am, in the Draeger-Langendorf Funeral Home Chapel in Racine, WI. Visitation will be at the funeral home from 10:00am until the time of the service. ~~Formerly of Racine, WI
McKinney, Robert L.
Zion, IL –
Awilda and Family says
God of all consolation, in Your unending love and mercy for us, You turn the darkness of death into the dawn of new life. Show compassion to Your people in sorrow. Be our refuge and our strenght to lift us from the darkness of this grief to peace and joy in Your presence. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen. Thanks to Mr. Mckinley for his Honorable service. RIP. Awilda Almestica Rosario and family.
Rod Nelson says
I loved Robert. We shared a common bond, Robbiya and the Military…We would talk at length about the military and forward deployments, about who shot who and why, truly a class act. I am going to miss him, however since energy only transfers and never expires I know he will be with us all forever, and with me on every deployment I may make in the future… Simper Fi Dad….
The Hicks Fam says
R.I.P……Soldiers Don’t Die,They Just Fade Away.