James Arnold McKinney

REIDSVILLE- Mr. James Arnold McKinney Sr, 90, of 1206 Benton Lane, passed away Monday, August 22, 2016. Secure in the blessing of his familyʼs deep love, he left this earth peacefully and now rests in his Savior, Jesus Christʼs eternal embrace. A funeral service will be held 11:00 AM, Friday August 26th at First Presbyterian Church, 318 South Main Street with Reverend Doctor Douglas McLeroy presiding. The entombment will follow the service in Evergreen Memory Gardens. Arnold, the son of the late Felix Rial and Beulah Cassandra Massey McKinney, was born November 25, 1925 in Ruffin, N.C. He married Elsie French, January 29, 1947. He retired as a department superintendent from the American Tobacco Company after 33 years of service. He managed the north stemary. On November 25, 1943, his eighteenth birthday, Arnold registered for the draft and was sworn to serve and defend the United States of America on April 27, 1944. Seaman First Class, James Arnold McKinney was assigned to Landing Ship Tank 281 on August 13, 1944. Only two days later, he became part of the invasion of southern France known as Operation Dragoon. On August 15, 1944, LST 281 was the first to hit the beach for the invasion, under fierce German 88 mm artillery fire. Arnold served in both the European Theater and Asiatic Pacific Area receiving bronze stars for European African area and Asiatic Pacific Okinawa and the Philippines Liberation Ribbon. Arnold was a devoted husband, loving father and grandfather, a steadfast friend and neighbor. A man of abiding faith, he chose the teaching of Christ to guide his life. He was quick to share laughter, eager to seek fairness and first to defend “the right”. Arnold was a good and honorable man. He was highly regarded by all who knew him. Mr. McKinney is survived by his wife of 69 years, Elsie; children, James Arnold (Mack) McKinney, Jr. (wife, Mary Jane), Charles Reynolds McKinney (wife, Jane) and Judy McKinney Nance (husband, Ron); grandchildren, Melanie Leigh Torres (husband, Lorenzo), James Arnold McKinney III (wife, Kimberly) and Justin Grant McKinney. He is also survived by his sister, Cassie McKinney Vaughn and honorary son and daughter, Bob and Denice Whitley. The family would like to acknowledge the loving kindness of neighbors, the First Presbyterian Church family as well as the compassionate care of Melanie, Zoe, Julie, Kerya, Lynette, Debra, Stephanie, Jessie, Leanne, and Wanda. The family will receive visitors Thursday, August 25th from 6:00 8:00 PM at Wilkerson Funeral Home, 1909 Richardson Drive and other times at the home. Memorial contributions may be made to First Presbyterian Church, 318 South Main Street, Reidsville, NC 27320 or Hospice of Rockingham County, PO Box 281, Wentworth, NC 27375. Wilkerson Funeral Home is assisting the family and condolences may be made to the family at www.wilkersonfuneral.com