Charles Johnson McKinney, age 95, of Knoxville went to be with his Heavenly Father on February 20, 2026. He was born on September 12, 1930 to Mildred Annette Hayworth McKinney and James Edward McKinney. He grew up on a farm in Blaine, TN where he attended a one room school house named Samuel Lea. He accepted Christ in his life at an early age and was a member of Brown New Hope Missionary Baptist Church.

He joined the military at age of 19 and served in the Korean War and the Vietnam War from which he received Bronze Star Medal and many armed forces decorations and awards. He was a Senior Non-Commissioned Officer of the Combat Engineers, United States Army, honorably discharged and retired after 26 years of military service as a Sergeant First Class.

He defied the odds by earning his high school diploma at age 41, then continued his education at community colleges in Virginia, New Jersey and Tennessee. His perseverance led him to the University of Tennessee at Knoxville, where he studied from 1977 until proudly graduating on May 14, 1993 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology.

He worked with the Knoxville Branch of NAACP as the Chairman of the Armed Services and Veterans Affairs Committee, Lifetime Membership Committee, and Second Vice President. He received the “Unsung Heroes” award in special recognition of community service by the Knoxville Branch NAACP in 1992. He received three lifetime awards from the NAACP; Life Membership, Golden Heritage and Corporate Award in 2000.

He later joined Greater Bush Grove Missionary Baptist Church where he served as a Deacon and Chairman of the Trustees Board. As a Deacon Emeritus, he found joy in connecting with others by greeting others with a smile, praying, and sharing scriptures.

He served on the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Commemorative Commission. He was a graduate of Community Action Committee Class of 2003 and a Charter member of 100 Black Men of Knoxville.

Charles was a Past Master of Harmony Lodge #48, member of Alcoa Consistory #175, Keblah Temple #78, Holy Royal Arch Mason #20, OES Wheeler Leona Chapter #232 and The Phylaxis Society. He was 33-degree mason in the United Supreme Council, SJ, PHA, David Lee Wright Class of 2007.

He was preceded in death by his parents, beloved wife of 62 years Ruth Louise McKinney, sisters Mildred Kyle, Mary Lou Meek, and Carrie Lee West.

He is survived by his daughter Michelle (Eric) Lattimore of Knoxville. Nephews Greg McKinney, Jeffrey (Lesley) McKinney, Eddie Kyle, Gary (Leni) West, and Terry West. Nieces Tammy Kyle, Sherrie West and Sherry West. First cousin Wilma Kidd, brother in love Hughie Moulden, daughter in love Carmanelette Rawls, great nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

The family would like to thank Ben Atchley Veterans Home, Smoky Mountain Hospice and UT Cancer Institute for caring for our favorite Veteran with love and compassion. The family would also like to thank their dedicated and caring neighbors. Charles was deeply loved by everyone who had the privilege of knowing him and calling him friend.