Mr. Randy V. Thomas McKinney

Mr. Randy V. Thomas McKinney was the son of the late Mr. George L. McKinney and Mrs. Lucille
Murray McKinney. He was born on November 4, 1951, in Brooklyn, New York. Randy attended school in
South Carolina and on military bases within the U.S. and overseas. He graduated from Colleton High
School in Walterboro, S.C. While at Colleton High, Randy participated in sports, running track and
playing football. As a running back for the Colleton High Wolverines, he quickly became a star player
(one of the fastest in the state). His talent led to him receiving a football scholarship to Morris Brown
College in Atlanta, Georgia. After leaving Morris Brown, Randy followed in the footsteps of his father,
grandfather, and uncles and entered military service; a tradition practiced by the men on his maternal
side of the family. When he completed his years of service in the Army and Air Force, Randy relocated
back to Atlanta, GA. In Atlanta, Randy was employed by Ford Motor Company (assembly line worker);
City Public Service (water purification inspector); and Fulton National Bank. Additionally, he was a health

and life insurance agent in various places across the United States. Randy’s thirst for knowledge,
exploration, and travel resulted in him attending school to become a travel agent. His other interests
included his passion for music which developed early in life. Randy played the electric guitar and
enjoyed singing. He played in the band “Lou and the Groovers” during his high school years. As an avid
reader, Randy read books intensely with the hope he would create a new invention one day.
Furthermore, he was an enthusiastic gardener with a “green thumb” and shared his bountiful harvest
with family and friends. Randy also loved to view comedies, documentaries, news, politics, and a “good”
movie. As a veteran, he enjoyed celebrating Veterans Day activities with his uncles and brother who are
also veterans. Randy was a devoted son; he assisted with the care of his mother until she died. He loved
his family members and would often surprise them by sending a needed or useful gift. His spiritual
journey began by worshiping at St. James Catholic Church located on Catholic Hill. Later, he continued
his worship of our Lord and Savior at Hopewell Presbyterian Church. Mr. Randy V. Thomas McKinney
was a well-rounded individual and a beloved family member. Left to cherish his memories are 2 sisters
and 1 brother: Carolyn M. Harris, George L. McKinney (Sharon), and Terri M. Chapman;  one aunt, Mrs. Sarah Juanita Perry   1 niece-Carla
Luisa Harris Patel (Sheel); 2 nephews- Carlos T. Harris and Jonathan R. McKinney; 1 grandnephew-
Veneet Patel, “a special sister” Melvenia L. McKinney and a host of cousins (some affectionately called
him Uncle Randy), close friends of the family, and Coco (Randy’s four-legged companion)

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