of Searcy, AR
July 1, 1961 - May 9, 2016
Chris McKinney, 54, of Searcy, Arkansas passed away in his mother's home after a yearlong battle with cancer on Monday, May 9, 2016. He was nurtured by his family in their various homes over the last year. His illness was tough and he fought valiantly. We will miss Chris and greatly anticipate our reunion with him in heaven.
Chris was born July 1, 1961 in Zurich Switzerland and lived there till age 13, when the family moved to Searcy, Arkansas. He attended Swiss schools, and then finished out his education at Harding Academy. He worked as a master printer at Harding Press for 30+ years.
Chris loved watching basketball and boxing. He was very knowledgeable and fascinated by exotic fish and maintained numerous tanks filed with various species. Shopping for antiques was a favorite past time. He had a great eye for beauty and loved surprising people he loved with a special pick. But he described his sons as his greatest joy. He was a kind father and great listener. Last April, Chris had a life-changing encounter with Jesus Christ. A newfound joy was obvious to those who knew him, and many were the recipients of uplifting words on Facebook.
He is preceded in death by his grandparents, Bruno Durst and Louise Arrington McKinney; Everett A. and Verna Ryland Wilkinson; his father, John T. (Jack) McKinney; various cousins, aunts, uncles.
He is survived by his son Joshua Travis McKinney and grandson Benjamin McKinney; son Matthew Blake McKinney; his mother Joanne Wilkinson McKinney; sister Linda Baker and family, sister Patty McKinney, brother Mike McKinney and family; aunts, uncles, cousins and many friends.
The memorial service is set for 11 a.m. this Thursday, May 19, at College Church of Christ in Searcy, AR. Visitation begins with the family at 10:30 beforehand. Following the service, a meal is planned for family and friends in the adjacent fellowship hall.