James O. “Sonny” McKinney, age 91, of Brownwood, passed away Saturday, January 23, 2022 in Brownwood.

Graveside services for James will be held on Wednesday, January 26, at 2:00PM in the Zephyr Cemetery.

Sonny was born to Ruby and James “Doc” McKinney on April 27, 1930 in Brownwood. He served in the United States Army during the Korean war. After his time in the military, Sonny attended and graduated from Letourneau College in Longview. Sonny married Betty Sue McKinney on March 18, 1961 in Brownwood and began a life together that blessed them with 3 children.  He worked for many years at Southwestern Portland Cement Company in Odessa. After retirement, Sonny and Betty settled back in Brownwood where he took an interest in painting and genealogy. Sonny was an excellent painter, and was the president of the Brownwood Art Association from 2001 to 2003. A few years later in 2005, Sonny won Artist of the Year.  He was also a member of the VFW in Brownwood for numerous years. Sonny and Betty were both members of Coggin Ave. Baptist Church.

Sonny is survived by his two children, James L. McKinney and Towanna J. McKinney; grandchildren, Jennifer McKinney, Sharina Williamson and husband Nick, Scott McKinney, Justin Castro and wife Jamie; great grandchildren, Brice Brown, Keyton Castro, Aurora McKinney, Mekalia Castro, Corbin Brown, Emily Flood, Easton Flood, Bradie Craig, Josh Williamson, and Ava Williamson.

He is preceded in death by his wife, Betty Sue McKinney; his parents; son, Randy McKinney, and grand-daughter, Jamie McKinney.

Condolences, memories and tributes can be offered to the family online at heartlandfuneralhome.net