Jerry W. McKinney, 80, passed away on May 7, 2024. He was elected to two four year terms as a Franklin County Commissioner – District 4. He was employed with U.S. Reduction from 1964-1987 and Sunshine Homes until retirement. Jerry was an officer for Aluminum, Brick and Glass workers union and was a member of the Franklin County Cattleman’s Association. He served on the Red Bay Industrial Development Board for many years. He proudly served 30+ years on the Franklin County Democratic Executive Board. He farmed, raised livestock and loved to garden. As any member the family will tell you, he loved excessively, however, made sure that he imparted some wisdom along the way. Jerry was a member of the First Baptist Church of Red Bay. He coached many youth football and baseball teams, was instrumental in the building of the adult softball league in Red Bay and was past president of Red Bay Athletic Booster Club.
Visitation will be Friday, May 10, 5-8 p.m. at Deaton Funeral Home, Red Bay, AL with the funeral on Saturday, May 11, at 11 a.m. with Rev. Bill Harper and Rev. Steve Ledbetter officiating. Burial will be in Red Bay City Cemetery. Deaton Funeral Home, Red Bay, AL will be in charge of arrangements.
He is survived by his wife of sixty years, Esta Lee Hammock McKinney; daughter, Jada L. McKinney; sons, Jeffery W. McKinney (Allison), Huntsville, Alabama, Jerrod W. McKinney (Donna), Red Bay, Alabama, John W. McKinney (Jenni), Huntsville, Alabama; grandchildren, Jeffery C. McKinney, LaShae Wellington (James), Rachel Mitchell, Rebecca Welborn (Bailey), Hunter McKinney, John-John McKinney, Griffin McKinney, Sam McKinney, Sam Davis, Collin Rene, Jake Pitts, Jaylee Pitts and Jaycee Pitts; great-grandchildren, Brody Wellington, Gracie Wellington, Jack Wellington and Deacon Welborn and sister-in-law, Emily McKinney.
He was preceded in death by his father, John W. McKinney, Jr., mother, Virginia Scott and brother, John H. “Buzzy” McKinney. He was reared by his grandparents, Johnny and Cora Belle Knight McKinney, who also preceded him in death.
Pallbearers will be Richard Hammock, Jonathan McKinney, Jeffery C. McKinney, Sam McKinney, Griffin McKinney, John-John McKinney and Sam Davis. Honorary pallbearers will be Jake Pitts and John Scott.
In lieu of flowers, please donate to Glenwood.org (McKinney Memorial option) or mail to Glenwood, 150 Glenwood Lane Attn: McKinney Memorial, Birmingham, AL 35242 or His Hands & Feet, First Baptist Church, P.O. Box 616, Red Bay, AL 35582.
