Jimmy Dwight McKinney Sr., born on October 10, 1942, went to meet his Lord on June 17, 2017.

He was the son of A.L. and Nellie McKinney of Sladesville, N.C. After graduation from West Hyde High School in Swan Quarter, N.C., Jimmy attended Chowan University and East Carolina University. In 1966, he married Linda Harris of Fairfield, N.C, his high school sweetheart and companion for over fifty years. Next to his relationship with God, Jimmy cherished his family. A son, Jimmy Dwight Jr., was his best friend and companion until his untimely death in a boating tragedy at age 42. Heather Lynne (Raleigh), second born, claimed his heart at her birth where she remained until his death intensely loved and admired.

Jimmy is survived by his wife and daughter and dear daughter-in-law, Mary-Margaret S. McKinney of Edenton, N.C. Five grandchildren who provided the most precious memories of his life also survive him. William and Meredith (Heather) and Luke, Catie and Rhett (Dwight & Mary-Margaret) were his pride and joy. Jimmy is also survived by two siblings, LaRue (Emmett) Brinson of Farmville, N.C., and Ronnie (Mary) of the homeplace in Sladesville, N.C. Jimmy was preceded in death by his brother, Wayne, and wife, Betty, of Newport News, V.A. Jimmy leaves behind many nieces and nephews who were near and dear to him.

Jimmy enlisted in the United States Army in 1965, serving this country with pride. Three years of his assignment were spent with his wife in Asmara, Ethiopia. He was the recipient of the U.S. Army Commendation Medal. The couple settled in Greenville, N.C., for twenty years, raising their children and owning an electronic sales and service company. In 1980, he was employed by Merck Pharmaceuticals in Wilson, N.C., where he worked until an early retirement in 1998. He and his wife enjoyed traveling during these later years.

Jimmy was an avid outdoorsman his entire life. Fishing, hunting and hiking occupied his free time. He was a gifted craftsman, creating treasures for his family.

During his lifetime, Jimmy lived to serve the Lord and did so through volunteer and leadership roles. Most recently, he and Linda called Fairfield United Methodist Church home.

The visitation will be held in the sanctuary of Fairfield United Methodist Church in Fairfield, at 1pm on Wednesday, June 21. The funeral service will begin at 2pm at Fairfield UMC. A committal service with military honors will be held at Fairfield Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to Fairfield UMC, Attn. Joyce Jones, 1695 N. Lake Road, Fairfield, N.C., 27826.

Arrangements are by Bryan Funeral Service, Swan Quarter, where online sympathy messages can be directed to www.bryanfs.com.