Fred Willis McKinney

Fred W. McKinney, 85, passed away Friday, March 27, 2020 at Etowah Health Care Center. A native of McMinn County, Fred was one of seven children born to the late Pleas and Hailey McKinney. He grew up in the Brush Creek Community.
Fred worked for Mayfield Dairy Farms as a sales representative for 35 years. His career encompassed numerous roles at Mayfield, including supervisor and sales representative. 
A longtime member of First Baptist Church of Athens, Fred served as a deacon and usher. In later years, he was a member of Keith Memorial United Methodist Church. Throughout his life, Fred’s faith was important to him. Fred served on the McMinn County School Board. He was a member of the Meridian Sun Masonic Lodge #50 F&AM of Athens and the Alhambra Shrine of Chattanooga, where he served on the Motor Patrol. 
Fred was proceeded in death by his wife, Vaudine Cravey McKinney. Survivors include son, Michael McKinney (Amy) of Athens; two daughters, Jan McKinney of Cleveland and Fran Thompson (Roy) of Murfreesboro. Son-in-law, Roy, was like a son to Fred, and he was especially proud of his grandsons: David Thompson of Chicago, Illinois; United States Navy Petty Officer 2nd Class Matthew Thompson of Jacksonville, Florida;  Benjamin Thompson of Murfreesboro; and Bryce McKinney of Athens. He  is also survived by a brother, Scott McKinney of Athens; extended family Hiroshi and Michiko Miyake and children Mimoka and Rintaro of Japan; and former co-worker and friend, Carl Hutsell of Athens. 
The family would like to extend their sincere gratitude to Etowah Health Care Center, particularly Administrator Jonathon Hicks, Director of Admissions Amanda Morrow and Nurses  Kim Webb, Tammy Murray, and Allison McDaniel. They would also like to thank Dr. Craig Riley for his excellent care and the Reverend Jack Bryan for his faithful ministry. 
A private memorial service will be held at a later date with the Reverend Jack Bryan officiating.

Laycock Hobbs Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Online condolences may be sent to  https://www.laycock-hobbs.com/obituary/Fred-McKinney.

The family requests memorial donations be made to the Miracle Lake Christian Training Center, 182 County Road 498, Etowah, Tennessee 37331.