Coach Kenneth Harold McKinney, age 86 of Vernon, AL, passed away Wednesday, March 3, 2021, at his residence surrounded by his family.

Coach McKinney was born January 8, 1935, in Tuscumbia, AL.  He was a football coach and won three state championships.  He was a also a faithful member of the Vernon First United Methodist Church.  In addition to coaching football, Coach McKinney also enjoyed spending time with his family.  In addition to his parents, he was also preceded in death by his foster parents, Talmage and Vera Bumpus; his son, Kenny McKinney; his daughter, Kathy McKinney; and his brothers and sisters.

Funeral services will be Saturday, at 2:00 PM, at the Vernon First United Methodist Church with Patrick Gunn officiating.  Burial will follow at Henry Cemetery in Corinth, MS.  Visitation will be at the church, 12:00-2:00, prior to the service.

Active pallbearers will be Tyler McKinney, Whitney McKinney, Patrick McKinney, Coleman Pipkin, Brandon McKinney, Michael McKinney, Chris Wiygul, Wesley Wiygul, Luke McKinney, and Mac Crawford.  Honorary pallbearers will be all of Coach McKinney's football players.

Coach McKinney is survived by his wife, Sara McKinney, of Vernon, AL; his children, Scott (Stacy) McKinney of Jackson, MS, Beth (Tommy) Herring of Rainbow City, AL, Sallly (Tim) Wiygul of Tupelo, MS, and David (Michelle) McKinney of Winfield, AL; 14 grandchildren; ten great-grandchildren; his daughter-in-law, Amy McKinney of Harvest, AL; one foster brother, Jimmy Bumpus; his caregivers, Tammi Metcalf and Jenni Hankins; and his very best friend, Ed Ellis of Jackson, TN.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in his memory to the First United Methodist Church of Vernon, 210 1st Street NE, Vernon, AL 35592, or to St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or go online to www.stjude.org.