Bavis Marl McKinney, 99, of Sheffield, Alabama, died December 19, 2018. Visitation will be Saturday, December 22, 2018, from noon noon to 1:45 p.m. at Colbert Memorial Chapel, with the graveside service at 2 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 Darcus 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 parents, Nelson and Darcus 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, Alabama; and his daughters, Carol Lee McKinney Dyar (Steve), Hoover, Alabama, Jo Ann McKinney Porter (Ron), Lake Oconee, Georgia, and Denise Elizabeth McKinney, Spring Hill, Tennessee; 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.
Colbert Memorial Chapel is assisting the family. You may sign the online registry at colbertmemorial.com
