James Wilburn “Wig” McKinney, of Birmingham, went home to be with the Lord on Oct. 27, 2012, at age 86.
He was a very devoted loving husband and father, native and long-term resident of Franklin County, Ala. He was raised near Vina, Ala., and assisted his father on the family farm and sawmill while in school.
Mr. McKinney was an Army veteran, serving in World War IIstationed in Los Alamos, N.M. 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, Ala. He was a member of the Belgreen Masonic Lodge and the Gravel Hill Baptist Church. He retired from Reynolds Metals in Sheffield, Ala., after 32 years of service. Mr. McKinney was an avid outdoorsman, enjoyed hunting and his cattle farm, which he often referred to as his bouquets. He moved to the Birmingham area in 2001 to be closer to his children. He attended First Baptist Church of Pelham until his health declined and he moved to 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.
Visitation will be 5:30-8 p.m. Monday, Oct. 29, 2012. Funeral service will be at 2 p.m. at Spry Funeral Home chapel, Tuesday, Oct. 30, 2012, in Russellville, Ala., burial will be at Liberty Hill Cemetery, Phil Campbell, Ala. Dr. Paul Moore and the Rev. Phillip Vinson will be officiating the celebration service.
