Wendell O'Neal McKinney, Jr.

Wendell O'Neal McKinney Jr. "Neal" passed peacefully into the arms of Jesus on Monday, September 5, 2022. Neal was born in Huntsville, Alabama to Joyce and Wendell McKinney. Wendell died when Neal was 5 years old, and Neal was fortunate to also have a second father, Charles Edgar Jr., who married Joyce when Neal was 9 years old. Together, Charlie and Joyce raised Neal in a blended family. Neal attended Westminster Christian Academy and graduated from Covenant College. He worked multiple computer-related jobs, owned Computer Concepts, and a Collection Agency. His longest employment was with Explorer Software from 2005 to 2022. Volunteering was second nature to Neal. He served the Covenant College Volunteer Fire Department, the Chattanooga Hamilton County Rescue Squad, as a soccer referee, as a swim official, and for Hanarry Estates neighborhood events. His dog Bandit brought much joy to Neal's life, especially during his long battle with cancer. Bandit had an innate sense of Neal's need for his dog's love and compassion. Neal was a vibrant and loving son, brother, husband, father, and friend. Known to his family as the "Energizer Bunny", he lived up to his nickname. In addition to work, he found time to participate in the activities his children were involved in and made memories with them building sandcastles, riding rollercoasters, and hiking at Stone Mountain Park. He worked full-time throughout his chemo and continued to work events in his DJ/audio visual Company Sound Guy Entertainment. Neal had multiple "families" in his lifetime, including the swim officials community and the DJ/audio-visual community. He worked with sound for each church he attended and most recently started a live stream service during covid for Cornerstone Bible Church in Lilburn, GA. Neal was a child of God. His faith was personal and real, and he had the opportunity to test it in his cancer journey. Together with his wife Janice, they found the joy in each day. He reinstituted their Saturday morning pancake ritual, he completed bucket list items such as attending a Michael W. Smith concert, enjoying an incredible beach trip after his chemo ended, and rejoicing in the news he would become a grandfather to Willow, his soon-to-be-born granddaughter. He loved big and saw the beauty in each person he met. Neal is survived by his wife Janice McKinney of Lilburn, GA, his children Amanda (David) Shonfelt and Connor McKinney; parents, Joyce and Charles Edgar; siblings, Beth (Michael) Cooper, William (Sherry) McKinney, Katie (Mike) Willis, Charles (Beth) Edgar III, and Margie (Matt) Ligon; uncle John (Janice) Sullivan, and many nieces and nephews. Along with his father, Neal is preceded in death by his grandparents, G.O. and Mabel McKinney and J.J. and Corinne and Sullivan. A church service that is open to all who loved Neal will be forthcoming with a date and time to be determined. There will be a burial service for family only. McKoon.com will have updates on funeral details. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be sent to either Westminster Christian Academy, Huntsville, AL, or Cornerstone Bible Church in Lilburn, GA. Please note on memo line to Cornerstone Bible Church "live stream Capital Reserves" to confirm funds will be used to continue Neal's legacy in the church's live stream program. Condolences may be expressed online at www.mckoon.com McKoon Funeral Home & Crematory (770) 253-4580

Wendell O'Neal McKinney, Jr.

May 25, 1960 - September 5, 2022