Dale J. McKinney

Dale J. McKinney, age 71, of 4028 George Hawk Road in Shelby, died early Thursday morning in Shelby Memorial Hospital after a short illness. He was born March 5, 1922 in Shelby the son of John D. and Mary R. (Sprague) McKinney.

Mr. McKinney retired after 32 years of service for the Shelby Insurance Company. He was a 1940 graduate of Shelby High School and was an Army veteran of WWII and Korea serving in the China, India, and Burma Theaters as a medic. He was an active member of the First United Methodist Church in Shelby, serving on many boards at the local and district levels. He served as president of the Shelby “Y” Community Center Board of Directors from 1972-1976 and then from 1977-1979. He was instrumental in the two major fund raisers to build and furnish the “Y’. He was the recipient of the “Y” Distinguished Service Award 1986-1988, the Harry TerBraak Friendship Award in 1990, the “Y” Board of Directors Service Award in 1990, and the Shelby Rotary Club’s Senior Citizen’s Award for outstanding community service in 1989.

He was currently serving a term as vice-chairman of the Jackson Township Trustees, and presiding judge for the Board Of Elections in Jackson Township precinct A, and was also serving on the Board of Oakland Cemetery Association in Shelby.

He was active in the Appalachia Service Project making 7 trips to Appalachia helping under-privileged families repair and improve their homes. Mr. McKinney is survived by his wife, Elizabeth “Betty” (Lawrence) McKinney whom he married on March 13, 1943; a son and daughter-in-law, Loren and Christine McKinney of Lexington; 3 grandchildren; 2 step grandchildren; 1 brother, Fred McKinney of Shelby. He was preceded in death by his parents and a son Edward James McKinney in 1950.

Calling hours will be on Sunday from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. at the Turner Funeral Home in Shelby. Funeral services will be held on Monday at 11:00 a.m. at the First United Methodist Church in Shelby with his pastor the Rev. Lyle Hinkle, officiating. Burial will be in Oakland Cemetery in Shelby.

Memorial expressions may be made to the Shelby “Y” Community Center or to the First United Methodist Church and left in care of the Turner Funeral Home in Shelby.