of London, AR

April 27, 1924 - January 31, 2019

Clarence ''C.J. Mac'' McKinney, 94 of London, Arkansas, Born April 27, 1924 departed this world to be with his savior on January 31, 2019. He was born to Elmer and Grace Dalton McKinney of Vincennes, Indiana. He was married in Alabama - 1944 to Beatrice Moore McKinney of North Little Rock to this union was born two children, Jimmy Wayne and Sandra Diane McKinney.

Married 1991 to Betty Crews McKinney until present.

Enlisted in the US Army at Evansville, Indiana in March of 1943 and served until 1946 stationed in North Little Rock, he was just 17 years old. It was in Victoria, Texas where he learned to fire a 50 Caliber machine gun over the Gulf of Mexico. It was here he earned his first medal for expert marksmanship. After this ''Mac ''was sent overseas to the ETO as Replacement. Packet left out of the English Channel landing on Omaha Beach June 6, 1944 in the first wave. He was designated as a forward scout and fought for freedom all over France, Germany, Battle of the Bulge, Normandy and contributed to the liberation of a POW Camp at Luxenberg, Germany. He was wounded three separate times and left for dead. TECH Corporal Clarence McKinney was awarded several metals of distinction including a Purple Heart, two Gold Clusters, a Silver star and many others as a result bravery and selflessly volunteering to take on extremely dangerous assignments few were willing to do. These are the stories he was unable to tell because of severe Post Traumatic Stress Syndrome that plagued him throughout life.
He loved race cars and spent 27 years racing in Indiana, Arkansas, Mississippi, and Texas. He was honored to be included in the movie ''White Lightning'' starring Burt Reynolds as a driver. It was at that time he became friends with Burt how actually ate dinner with ''Mac'' at night during the filming.

He raced many years at I-30 speedway in Saline County where he had the privilege of racing with Mark Martin and becoming great friends. His life was an example of living to the fullest.
He was an avid fisherman and made a great deal of friends around the state, especially in Piney Bay Park. His most favorite thing to do after fishing was going to Old South Restaurant in Russellville and getting hugs from all the girls. They nicknamed him Bob Hope from all the jokes he told. In 28 years, we never heard him tell the same joke twice. He loved children, babies and animals! It was his delight and sweet demeanor with these very creatures that caused them to be drawn to his nature and kindness.

''Mac'' was preceded in death by his parents, His wife of 40 years Bea and his dear son Jimmy Wayne. Also preceded in death by a sister Ruby Lavely and brothers, Bill, Don, John, Melvin and Bob McKinney.
He leaves his wife Betty Crews Mckinney, a brother Jack and daughter Sandra Long (Dan), grandchildren Chris McKinney (Phadra), Mark McKinney (Tonya), Jennifer Benning (Mark), Shanna Wright (Dale) and many great grandchildren and two great- great- grand grandchildren and several nieces and nephews in which he had very close relationships.

Also, survived by children: Connie Anderson (Gil), Joel Kelsey (Lisa), Mitzie Tucker (Terry), Lydia Barnes (Bill), Michele McLeskey, and Kathy Cheney (Tommy). A host of many friends of North Little Rock, Little Rock, Mayflower, London and Piney Bay Arkansas. As well as all the fisherman at Piney Bay Park.

Funeral services provided by Roller-McNutt Funeral Home in Conway, Arkansas. Visitation will be Saturday February 2nd at 6:00 to 8:00 pm and funeral will be Sunday, February 3rd at Roller McNutt at 1:00 pm.

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