Eugene McKinney Jr., age 93, passed away March 26, 2016. He graduated from Bessemer High School in 1940 and Alabama Polytechnic Institute (now Auburn University) in 1947 with a degree in chemical engineering. Eugene served in the U.S. Army during World War II as a field artillery officer forward observer with the 42nd Infantry (Rainbow) Division, participating in combat actions through France, Germany, and Austria; the Rainbow Division liberated the Dachau concentration camp as they moved through Munich toward the Bavarian Alps. After completing his service, Eugene worked as a chemical engineer for the DuPont Corporation for several years and for Reynolds Aluminum Company for over 25 years retiring in 1982. After retirement, he worked at MacFarland Park and Blackberry Trail golf courses, relishing his friendships and rarely missed an opportunity to play a round with his golf buddies.
Eugene was a member of Forest Hills Baptist Church serving as church treasurer and deacon and previously at Highland Baptist Church as a deacon and other leadership roles. Other community leadership positions included the Florence Federal Credit Union (Board member), Tri-Cities Quarterback Club and Junior Achievement, bringing knowledge and commitment to all his endeavors.
Eugene shared his wife’s love of music and never tired of Sousa marches, the Sound of Music soundtrack, and the Auburn fight song. He truly was an Auburn man and embodied the ideals represented in the Auburn creed in all his pursuits.
Eugene was predeceased by his wife, Marjorie Louise Taulbert McKinney, after 60 years of marriage; his parents, Eugene McKinney Sr. and Margaret Ione Moore McKinney; and his brother, George Harris McKinney.
His greatest pride in life was his family. He is survived by his two daughters, Linda Louise McKinney Smith (Tommy) and Nancy Ellen McKinney Pate (John); grandchildren, Michael Shane Smith (Wendy), Andy Smith, Matthew Pate (Caitlin), Lindsay Pate, and AJ Pate; and great-granddaughter, Ainsley Moser.
Visitation will be Friday, April 1, 2016, from 9 to 11 a.m. at the Spry Williams Funeral Home in Florence. Reverend Rich Hardeman will officiate the funeral service at 11 a.m. in the funeral home chapel. Entombment will follow at the Tri-Cities Memorial Gardens in Florence.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Forest Hills Baptist Church, Highland Baptist Church, or the charity of your choice.
