John Michael McKinney, Sr.

John Michael McKinney, Sr., beloved father, brother, uncle, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend, passed away on August 27, 2021 at the age of 86. Given Covid, a private graveside service will be conducted. No visitation will be held at this time.  A celebration of John’s life will be held in the future. John was born on November 10, 1934, the son of Charlie and Kate McKinney in Reidsville, North Carolina.  He later graduated from Reidsville High School and then went on to serve in the United States Army.  John married Gayle Reynolds in 1955 and they started their life together.  After his service in the Army, he graduated from Elon University's business school and worked within the banking industry before founding McKinney and Son Builders in 1963.  John’s life's work, his vocation and avocation, was his residential construction business. He loved construction and developing land. The business grew from its early years with the help of his dedicated wife and children and it is still thriving today.  He always viewed the company's accomplishments as an outgrowth of the community in which he loved. John believed strongly in giving back to the community. He was a member of the Freemason fraternal organization and a charter member and deacon at Faith Christian Church in Reidsville, NC. John enjoyed spending time outdoors on his farm and working in his garden. His love of family, deep faith and his strong friendships were all his greatest joys. John was happiest when he was surrounded by his kids and grandkids. He will be remembered as a dedicated family member and friend to many. He was preceded in death by his wife, Gayle Reynolds McKinney; father, Charles H. McKinney; mother, Kate Smith McKinney; sisters, Barbara M. Watts and Geraldine McKinney; and special friend, Nell Lillard. He will be dearly missed by his children: Lisa (Randy), Leslie (Lynne), Michael (Phyllis), Neil (Wendy), and Julie (Chris); sister: Gilda (Jay); grandchildren: Crystal (James), Carla (Derick), Shawn (Lisa), Brittany (Sean), Kelsey, John Michael McKinney III, Katelyn, Charlie, Reegan, and Kayley Gayle; great-grandchildren; and numerous other family members and friends. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in his honor to Hospice of Rockingham County, P.O. Box 281, Wentworth, NC 27375. The family would like to express their gratitude to the staff at Hospice of Rockingham County for the compassion and care shown to John and family over the last few weeks. Citty Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be sent to: www.cittyfh.com 

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