Dale McKinney, age 77, of Goldsboro, passed away Tuesday, February 9, 2021, at his residence surrounded by his family.
As Dale wished, there is no viewing, no funeral or burial services, but the family would love for you to come share a story or a happy memory during a visitation hour, 3:00 to 4:00 PM, Saturday, February 13, 2021, at Stevens Funeral Home, 400 W. Pecan Street, in Coleman. Services are entrusted to Stevens Funeral Home in Coleman.
He was born Raymond Dale McKinney on September 10, 1943, in Coleman to William Ray McKinney and Vestal Fern Rose McKinney. He grew up in Coleman County and graduated from Novice High School in 1963. Dale remembered going to the Dixie Theater where admission was .09¢ and a coke cost a nickel. He saved money from the one dollar allowance that he received from his daddy and bought his first calf. Dale served in the National Guard and was active duty for six months under Commander Harold Pittard. He worked in the oil field for 13 years within the United States and overseas in Singapore, Indonesia and New Guinea. Dale farmed and ranched for 10 years. He owned and operated two liquor stores. He also worked for Dry Manufacturing, General Dynamics in Fort Worth and operated his own gate guard business off and on for 20 years.
Dale loved playing ’42’, dominoes, moon, going to the horse races, chicken fights and dog races. He also loved watching football and baseball, especially the Texas Rangers and Dallas Cowboys. Dale embraced life and enjoyed living every aspect of it. He had many adventures and respected the time he spent here on earth.
Dale is preceded in death by his father, William Ray McKinney on June 30, 1977, and his mother, Vestal Fern Rose McKinney on April 16, 1985.
He is survived by his son, Matt McKinney and wife, Emma of Goldsboro; one grandson, Kevin McKinney of Abilene; two granddaughters, Alice McKinney of Novice and Jessica McKinney of Abilene. They loved their Pappy and Pappy would always say, “I love all y’all.” Other survivors are his sister, Martina McKinney of Abilene; one nephew, Maury Bates; and one niece, Misty Davis.
Dale wished memorials be made in his memory to West Texas Rehabilitation, 4601 Hartford St, Abilene, Texas 79605, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital at www.stjude.org or to the Shriner’s Hospital at www.donate.lovetotherescue.org.
Remembrances, condolences and messages of comfort can be expressed to the family at www.livingmemorials.com or mailed directly to the family at 251 CR 496, Goldsboro, TX 79519. Stevens Funeral Home is honored to serve the McKinney family.