Samuel True Mckinney

Samuel True McKinney, 82, 142 Pritchard Drive, Jonesborough, died Thursday, September 4, 2008 in the Johnson City Medical Center. Mr. McKinney was a native of Bakersville, NC and was a son of the late Samuel G. and Ella Herrell McKinney. Mr. McKinney enlisted in the U.S. Navy at the age of seventeen and fought in six major Pacific battles during World War II. At his retirement ceremony in 1985 he was awarded the Navy Meritorious Civilian Service Medal for his distinguished service to the Defense Department. After his retirement from his management position at the Pentagon, True became a local real estate developer in Jonesborough until his death. Mr. McKinney was the Owner/Operator of the Oak Hill Cemetery in Johnson City. There he took on the task to make the cemetery look its best through landscaping and improvement of the grounds and markers. Mr.McKinney was very concerned that everyone have a good place for burial of their loved ones and worked with those less fortunate to provide that service. True was best known for his active participation in the Democratic Party of Washington County. Mr. McKinney was of the Baptist faith. He is preceded in death by: his parents; his wife Ellen Kelsey McKinney; three brothers, Hayden McKinney in 1978, Clay McKinney in 1984, and Robert McKinney in 1980; three sisters, Gladys in 1918, twins Nella and Stella in 1918. Survivors include: two sons, Sammy McKinney of Jonesborough and Tim McKinney of Limestone; one daughter, Nancy Carrubba of Jonesborough; two sisters, Oline Pritchard of Roan Mountain and Fay Simcox of Muncy, PA. The funeral service for Samuel True McKinney will be conducted at 8 PM Monday, September 8, 2008 at 8 PM in the Morris-Baker South Chapel. Dr. Michael Oaks will officiate. The graveside service will be conducted at 2 PM Tuesday in the Monte Vista Memorial Park. Everyone will meet at Morris-Baker at 1:30 Pm to go in procession. Active pallbearers will be Family and Friends. The Bristol VFW will accord Military honors. The family will receive friends at Morris-Baker from 6 to 8 PM Monday prior to the service. In lieu of flowers, the family request that memorials be sent to the Oak Hill Cemetery, 205 Rector Lane, Limestone, TN 37681.