Larry “Blackeye” Mckinney

Published 10:19 am Friday, November 17, 2023

I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race. I have kept the faith. “Timothy 4:7”

 Larry “Blackeye” McKinney, 78, Elizabethton,  was born on March 24, 1945, and passed away on November 15, 2023, in the VA Mountain Hospital in Johnson City, TN. He was born to the late Ollie McKinney and Elvina Hall McKinney. Larry was a 1963 graduate of Hampton High School. He was a retired plumber, served as a Carter County Commissioner, was on the planning committee, and was a proud Vietnam Veteran aboard the USS Constellation CV-64. He also served on the board for the Shepards Inn. Larry enjoyed eating out with family, feeding the critters, family gatherings, and making people laugh, telling tales. He never met a stranger. 

 Larry is preceded in death by his four brothers, Arvel, Pink, Roy, and Terry McKinney, Floss McKinney, and the son he never had, Bob Bice.

 He is survived by the love of his life, Judy McKinney, and two daughters, Melissa (Guy) Allen, and Melanie (Dave) Harold. Four grandchildren: Dustin “Bo” (Brittany) Arnett, Tyler (Brandy) Arnett, Kiana (Dylan) Buck, and Mindy (David) Stulack. The light of his life, great-grandson Dalson Arnett, and great-grandson Brycen Eggers. Step grandchildren Kelly (Brad) Barker, and Brandi (Chuck) Hamilton. Step grandchildren Brenna Allen, Evie Hamilton, Macey Barker, and Ethan Barker. His sister Phyllis (Richard) Oliver. His in-laws Sue, Brenda, and Mary Ruth McKinney, Phil White, Susan (Loyal) Limb, and Kelly Cannon. Several nieces, nephews, and cousins he loved dearly also survive. 

 Pallbearers Bo Arnett, Tyler Arnett, Dave Harold, Guy Allen, Dylan Nelson, Zach Oliver, and Jeff McKinney. 

 Honorary Pallbearers David Bass, Russell Kyte, Jimmy Street, HHS Class of 1963, Travis McNeal and the employees of Big Johns, Bob Wright, Jimmy and Jo Wiseman, Johnny Vines, Bob Rainbolt, Billy Sams, Johnny Lovelace, Phil White, Loyal Limb, Danny and Brian Mock and Richard Oliver. 

 Special friends Jerry and Kaye Pearman, Dorothy Swaney, and Joann Minton.

 Services will be held Monday, Nov. 20, 2023, at Memorial Funeral Home. Receiving friends from 12 pm to 2 pm, services to follow. Will proceed to Happy Valley Memorial Park Mausoleum of Hope. Officiating preacher dear friend David Siebenaler. In lieu of flowers please make donations in Larry’s name to the Shriners.

 The family would like to thank the VA doctors, nurses and staff in C2, Dr. Farrow, and the nurses and staff of the ICU.

Memorial Funeral Chapel is serving the McKinney Family.