James Wilburn “Wig” McKinney, of Birmingham (formerly of Phil Campbell), went home to be with the Lord on October 27, 2012 at age 86.
He was a very devoted loving husband and father, native and long-term resident of Franklin County,AL. He was raised near Vina, AL and assisted his father on the family farm and sawmill while in school.
Mr. McKinney was an Army veteran, serving in World War II stationed in Los Alamos, NM. He returned to Franklin County and married his loving wife, Helen Oliver of 63 years. They resided in the Gravel Hill Community of Phil Campbell, AL. He was a member of the Belgreen Masonic Lodge and the Gravel Hill Baptist Church. He retired from Reynolds Metal in Sheffield, AL after 32 years. Mr. McKinney was an avid outdoorsman, enjoyed hunting and his cattle farm, which he often referred to as his bouquets. He moved to Birmingham area in 2001 to be closer to his children. He attended the First Baptist Church of Pelham until his health declined and he moved to the Columbia Cottage Assisted Living. The family would like to thank the staff and the residents of Columbia Cottage as well as the church family for their loving thoughts, care, and prayers. He recently moved to Fairhaven, and the family would like to express their appreciation for the staff’s loving care.
Mr. McKinney was predeceased by parents, John William McKinney, Sr. and Cora Bell Knight McKinney; brother, John William McKinney, Jr.; nephew, Daniel Wesley Richeson, Sr.
Mr. McKinney is survived by his wife, Helen Verline Oliver McKinney; daughter, Marilyn Gail McKinney Black and husband, Michael J. Black; son, Keith Dwight McKinney; sister, Willa Jean Richeson; special nephew, Jerry Wayne McKinney and wife, Esta; niece, Nancy Richeson Siniard; nephew, John Harold “Buzzy” McKinney and wife, Emily; several great-nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
The visitation will be from 5:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. on Monday, October 29, 2012 at Spry Memorial Chapel, Russellville, AL. The funeral service will be at 2:00 p.m. Tuesday, October 30, 2012 at Spry Memorial Chapel in Russellville, AL. Officiating at the service will be Dr. Paul Moore and the Rev. Phillip Vinson. Burial will be at Liberty Hill Cemetery, Phil Campbell, AL.
