of Bergman, AR

July 12, 1948 - March 23, 2023

Larry Joe McKinney, Sr, 74, of Bergman, AR, ran to his heavenly home and into the arms of Jesus on March 23, 2023, after suffering a cerebral hemorrhage on March 17, 2023.

Larry was born on July 12, 1948, to Dewey Robert McKinney and Mary Ann (Welch) McKinney in Athens, AL. After Larry graduated from Shawnee High School in 1966, he answered the call on his life. He studied education and coaching at the State College of Arkansas, now the University of Central Arkansas. He later continued schooling, receiving Masters and Specialist degrees in Education from the University of Arkansas-Little Rock.

Larry devoted over 50 years to the Arkansas education system as a teacher, principal, and superintendent; however, most people knew and experienced him as a "Coach." Over the years, he coached hundreds of students in football, track, tennis, golf, softball, baseball, and volleyball, and his passion, basketball. Perhaps his most adept and significant coaching role was in that of the game of life.

In 1968, Larry married his high school sweetheart, Karolyn Anneta (Vest). Larry and Karolyn went on to have two children, Staci Anneta and Larry Joe, Jr (Joe).

Larry was an avid golfer and a skilled card player. He enjoyed family gatherings, particularly BBQs, holidays, vacations, and any excuse to be with his grandchildren in the pool. He had lightning-quick wit and loved to banter. His humor was dry, sarcastic, and filled with love-both soft and tough versions. He was direct and honest. "Say what you mean, and mean what you say" might adequately depict him. Larry was a fierce competitor in all facets of life. He lived the standard he expected of others.

Larry was predeceased by his father, Dewey; his mother, Mary; his mother-in-law, Neta Vest; his father-in-law, Dale Vest; brothers-in-law, Stan Vest and Paul Hill and a sister-in-law, Barbara Vest. He is survived by his wife, Karolyn, of the home; his daughter and son-in-law, Rory and Staci Bradley of Shirley, AR; his son and daughter-in-law, Joe and Tara McKinney of Omaha, AR; three grandsons, Kannon McKinney Bradley, Kragen Rush Bradley, and Jonathan Draven McKinney; one granddaughter, Drew Avery McKinney; his sister, Shirley (McKinney) Hill of Jacksonville, AR; two brothers-in-law, Steve Vest of Marion, AR, and Scott (Lisa) Vest of Jonesboro, AR and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, colleagues, friends and former players.

A Celebration of Life was held at CrossRoads Community Church in Harrison, AR, on Wednesday, March 29, with visitation from 1:00-2:00 pm and a Memorial immediately followed.

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