Larry Mckinney Death, Obituary – Larry McKinney, age 76, passed away on Monday, March 20, 2023 at Mitchell House Assisted Living in Spruce Pine, North Carolina, with his family at his side. He was a resident of the Green Valley community in Spruce Pine, North Carolina. Larry McKinney was born on November 15, 1946, to James McKinney, who passed away, and Edith Stamey McKinney, who also passed away. There was a sister named Linda M. Harrison who passed away before he did.

The year that Larry graduated from Harris High School was 1964. He received degrees in mathematics and psychology from the University of North Carolina at Asheville, where he also studied architecture while attending the North Carolina State School of Architecture. His professional experience includes working as an Engineer for Chadborne, Inc. in Charlotte, North Carolina; as Vice President of Florida Northern Carriers in Miami, Florida; and as an Auditor for Brad Ragan, Inc. in Spruce Pine, North Carolina.

1974 was the year that Larry established The Klondyke Company Real Estate, which he and his wife, Nina, would later go on to own and run for the next 39 years. He was named Realtor of the Year in 1992 and was instrumental in the founding of the Yancey Mitchell Board of Realtors, where he also held the position of one of the board’s first presidents. Larry volunteered his time at the Mount Zion United Methodist Church, where he was a member of the Board of Trustees and served as Chairman of the Finance Committee for a period of thirty years.

In order to put his skills and abilities to use, he participated in a construction project at Mt. Zion United Methodist Church. This project resulted in the addition of a fellowship hall, restrooms, and a picnic pavilion, all of which contributed to the expansion of the church and the Kingdom of God. The water was one of Larry’s favorite things. He was an avid water and boating enthusiast.

If you’re old enough, you probably remember the good old days when he worked as a lifeguard at the Blue Marlon Swimming Pool in Spruce Pine when he was just a teenager. Larry’s life was filled with happiness and pride because of his son Chad and grandsons Luke and Gabe. He loved celebrating birthdays and holidays with his family, going on hikes in the mountains, going on road trips, going to the boys’ sporting activities, and simply spending time with them.

Nina White McKinney, his wife of fifty-six years, his son Chad James McKinney, his grandsons Luke J. and Gabe J. McKinney, all of Johnson City, Tennessee; his aunt JoAnn Buchanan; his niece Christy Henson and her husband Barry; his brother-in-law Ernie Harrison; and several beloved cousins, Nita Polizzi and her husband Ron, Cheryl Ollis and her husband Jock, Gina Phillips, Van. On Friday, March 24, 2023, from 6:00 pm to 7:00 pm, the family will be present at Webb Funeral Home to greet and visit with guests.

The funeral will be place at the Mt. Zion United Methodist Church on Saturday, March 25, 2023 at 2:00 pm, and the Reverend Jock Ollis will preside over the ceremony. The funeral and burial will take place in the church cemetery. Toe Valley Soup Ministry, the church families of Mt. Zion UMC and Pine Grove UMC, and friends that have stood by the family through a protracted period of illness by giving of their time, prayers, food, and most importantly, their love are recipients of the family’s most sincere gratitude. Dr. Kelly Rothe and the staff at Mountain Medical Arts are also to be thanked for their support.

Those who have had an impact on the lives of the members of the family are living examples of God’s goodness and love. Many thanks!