COMMERCE – J. W. McKinley, Sr., formerly of White Plains, Ga., died Sunday, January 17, 2016, at Hill Haven Nursing Home, at the age of 95.
Mr. McKinley was a great father, good friend to have, and a very good man. He was an avid gardener in his retired years, still gardening at age 94. Born in White Plains on June 25, 1920, he was the son of the late Edgar Lawson and Minnie McKinley. He was preceded in death by his son, J. W. McKinley, Jr.; granddaughter, Brandy McKinley; and eight siblings, Aretta McKinley, Earl McKinley, Walter McKinley, Edgar McKinley, Richard McKinley, Joe McKinley, Lewis McKinley, and Lena McKinley.
Mr. McKinley was well known in Greene County. He ran an auto/truck repair business for many years and also repaired farm equipment for the local farmers. He was well known in Greene County and surrounding counties as “Shop Man”. He loved mechanic work and continued to work on small engines, etc. after he closed his business. He also ran a chicken farm for many years.
Survivors include his daughter, Peggy Gibby, and son-in-law, Dean Gibby, Commerce; daughter-in-law, Diane McKinley, Greensboro; seven grandchildren, Alan McKinley, Greensboro, Stacy McKinley (Gwen), Danielsville, William Robert Mize, Oxford, Terry Gibby, Pelham, Ga., April Stephens (Wayne), Eufaula, Ala., Tammy Greear (Justin), Thomaston, Ga., and Cheryl Schumacher (Marc), Richmond Hill, Ga.; 11 great-grandchildren; and a number of nieces, nephews, and other relatives and friends.
Memorial services will be held Saturday, January 23, at 3 p.m. at McCommons Chapel, 109 W. Broad Street, Greensboro, GA 30642, with the Revs. Dean Gibby and Robert Robinson officiating. The family will receive friends Saturday from 2 to 3 p.m. prior to the service at McCommons Funeral Home.
The family request that any memorials be made to Feed The Children, 333 N. Meredian, Oklahoma City, OK 73107, or White Plains Baptist Church Cemetery Maintenance Fund, P. O. Box 38, White Plains, GA 30678.
McCommons Funeral Home, Greensboro, is in charge of arrangements.
Visit us at www.mccommonsfuneralhome.com to sign the online guest register.