of North Little Rock, AR
October 16, 1941 - September 19, 2016
J. V. McKinney, age 74, of North Little Rock Arkansas, passed away on September 19, 2016 after a brave battle with cancer, and a series of other health issues.
J.V. McKinney was born in Forrest City, Arkansas to Virgie and Forrest McKinney on October 16, 1941. He graduated from Forrest City High School in 1959, and enrolled at Ouachita Baptist University that fall. He hitch-hiked to and from campus in Arkadelphia carrying one blue suitcase with a few changes of clothes, his baseball glove, a pair of dress shoes, and his cleats. A first generation college student, J.V. graduated in 1963. At Ouachita he met the love of his life, Mary Ann Thornton, an education major from Little Rock. They dated for three years and were married on Valentine's Day in 1965.
Upon his graduation, J.V. began working for the YMCA in Little Rock. He introduced the YMCA Indian Guides/Princesses and soccer programs which served thousands of kids throughout the last five decades. After a seven-year stint as director of a YMCA in Bristol, Tennessee, the family returned in 1984 to Little Rock where J.V. began serving as the President/CEO of the Metropolitan Little Rock YMCA system, a position he held until his retirement in 2002.
J.V. loved many things, but none more than God, his family, his church, and his friends. He was a gifted photographer and an avid reader. He is preceded in death by his parents, Virgie and Forrest McKinney. He is survived by Mary Ann Thornton McKinney, his wife of 51 years, as well as his two sons and daughters-in-law, Blake and Gayla McKinney of Lee's Summit, Missouri, and Bryan and Leigh Anne McKinney of Arkadelphia. Known to many as Grampa J, he is the proud grandfather of Justin, Caleb, Colson, Mason, and Sarah. His is also survived by his brother and sister-in-law, Thearon and Vanette McKinney of Raleigh, North Carolina, and his niece Kate McKinney Maddalena.
Visitation will be September 22nd from 6:00 p.m. '''' 8:00 p.m. at Roller Funeral Home, 5509 John F. Kennedy Boulevard in North Little Rock. A celebration of his life will take place at 1:00p.m. on Friday, September 23, 2016 at 2nd Baptist Church in downtown Little Rock. Dr. Preston Clegg will be officiating. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to Second Baptist Church, 222 East 8th Street, Little Rock Arkansas, 72202. Online guest book: www.rollerfuneralhomes.com/owens.
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8 Condolence(s)
John Mack
Friday, September 23, 2016
I never had the pleasure of meeting JV but have heard wonderful stories from members who loved him in his time here in Bristol. We are taking good care of "his YMCA" back in Bristol. We are all sorry to here of his passing but rejoice in the memories and the joy he brought to Bristol.
Faye Stewart
Friday, September 23, 2016
Mary Ann, many years have passed since our children were at Park Hill Pre-School. Yet I remember so well your wonderful family. Please know you are in my thoughts and prayers.
Faye Strwart
Diane Spear
Thursday, September 22, 2016
I have lovely memories of JV and Mary Ann when I was growing up in Second Baptist Church. They were fun to spend time with and really cared about the young people they worked with. I am so sorry for your family's loss.
Best,
Diane Spear
Kurt Middelkoop
Thursday, September 22, 2016
When I was in high school in 1977 I first met JV and Mary Ann when I babysat their boys while they lived in Bristol Tennessee. I will always remember how JV would take the time to sit down and visit with me on every visit to his home. He asked about my family, my interests and my dreams for the future. I always left their home feeling that maybe I was someone special and would do some great things as an adult. I had never had any other adult other than my parents encourage me to make me think that God would use me for a unique purpose. Over the years JV shared with me his love for photography and the importance in choosing the best high fidelity speakers that money could buy. I will always remember his great laugh that was so contagious. He taught me lots of cool tricks like transferring coffee creamers through locked fingers. One day before I graduated high school, JV invited me over to the YMCA for a surprise. JV knew that I was an amateur juggler and when I arrived I was greeted by an international juggler who spent the next hour teaching me some amazing new tricks while JV took pictures and was just smiling and laughing the whole time. When JV moved to Little Rock we still remained friends and my wife and family would visit their home as we traveled from Bristol to Texas. To this day I have always considered Mary Ann and JV my second parents. JV was such a great role model for me and I always try to remember that there is something special about everyone. JV was such a great father and husband and as I had my own family I tried to follow the great example he had set. A true example of a man of God. I know that I have been changed by knowing him and I know that one day I will join him in heaven. Until that time I will hang on to JV’s favorite line…”Man, that is so cool”.
Psalms 31:24
Be of good courage, and he shall strengthen your heart, all ye that hope in the LORD.
Trudy West and Family
Thursday, September 22, 2016
Prayers and Sympathy for Mary Ann and family..
Sherry Kallab
Wednesday, September 21, 2016
So sorry for your loss. Thoughts and prayers for the family. JV will be missed.
Hank Godwin
Wednesday, September 21, 2016
JV was a great influence on my work and personal life. He hired me during my college impressionable years. His early vision for soccer in our great state has rippled beyond anyone's imagination. I'm very appreciative for his great witness for his faith and passions in my life.
Elendle and Miriam Buck
Tuesday, September 20, 2016
Thinking of your and yours during this time. Our deepest sympathy.