Marl McKinney

Bavis Marl McKinney, 99, of Sheffield, Alabama, died Dec. 19, 2018.  Visitation will be Saturday, Dec. 22, 2018, from 12:00 noon to 1:45 p.m. at Colbert Memorial Chapel, with the graveside service at 2:00 p.m.  in Colbert Memorial Gardens with Brother Robert Shirley officiating.

Mr. McKinney was born on January 27, 1919, to the late Charlie Nelson and Darcous Ophilia King McKinney in Belgreen, Alabama.  Marl graduated from Belgreen High School where he was the president of his senior class.  He graduated from Auburn University (Alabama Polytechnic Institute) in 1944.  He was an Army pilot (captain), having served in Germany and France during World War II and the occupation and, also, the Korean War.  

Mr. McKinney was a member of First Baptist Church of Sheffield.  He was a loving father and husband, and his family meant everything to him!  He set an example of grace and patience as he lovingly and selflessly cared for his wife, Corky, for many years during her extended illness...always calling her his sweetheart!

Mr. McKinney was preceded in death by his loving wife of 66 years Eleanor Elizabeth "Corky" Smith McKinney; parents, Nelson and Darcous McKinney; his brothers, Avis Neal McKinney, Trentis Aaron McKinney, Chester Leon McKinney, and his sister, Fleeta McKinney Hendrix.  He is survived by his sister, Hazeline McKinney Kelley; his son, William Marl “Bill” McKinney (Pam), Florence, AL; and his daughters, Carol Lee McKinney Dyar (Steve), Hoover, AL, Jo Ann McKinney Porter (Ron), Lake Oconee, GA, and Denise Elizabeth McKinney, Spring Hill, TN; and grandchildren, William Patrick McKinney, Ann Taylor McKinney Wilson (Aubrey), Matthew Grady Dyar (Chelsea), Lee Allison Dyar Boyd (Austin), William Powell "Duke" Porter, and Daniel McKinney Porter; and great-grandchildren Leah Elizabeth McKinney, McKinney Robert "Mack" Wilson, Ellis Taylor Wilson, Aubrey deNay Porter, Saylor Lynn Dyar, Rylie Wray Dyar, and Austin Wells Boyd; and several nieces and nephews.

A recent move to River Highlands in Hoover, AL brought a new adventure and many new friends to Marl’s life.  The family would like to thank everyone at River Highlands for their loving care.

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