Billy
Billy R. Mckinney
Billy R. McKinney, 73, of Amarillo, passed away peacefully with his family by his side on July 30, 2023. Bill was a Christian man with a giving heart and was a member of First Baptist Church in Wellington, Texas. He was the second of three children born to Donald Ray “Bo” and Loretta Lynell “Nell” (Arthur) McKinney at St. Josephs Hospital in Wellington on September 5, 1949.
Bill attended Wellington Schools graduating in 1968. Upon graduation he enlisted in the United States Army where he spent a brief time at the Pentagon in Washington, DC prior to being deployed to the Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe (Shape) in Mons, Belgium for the remainder of his service. Bill often looked fondly back on his time in Europe and expressed a deep appreciation for the opportunities to travel to other European countries while in Belgium. Bill always spoke with saddened heart of those who fought and died on behalf of our country. His patriotism was strong and deep. It was his passion to fly the American flag daily. Bill completed his military service as an E5 during his tenure in Belgium.
After his military service was complete. He returned to Wellington, where he met his future wife of almost 50 years. Bill and Nancy were married on November 17, 1973, in Wellington. The Lord richly blessed them with two children Dustin Tag and Kelley Meg. Bill was a loving husband and proud father who had a strong work ethic and devotion to family. Even though his work with the railroad regularly took him away from home. He always made a point to be there cheering Dusty and Kelley on with all the activities they were involved in, as well as the many projects Nancy enlisted his help doing.
In 1978, Bill began a career with Burlington Northern Railroad (BN) and after 37-1/2 years he retired in July 2015 from BNSF. Bill forged many strong and lasting friendships. He led and respected the hard work his men put forth.
In retirement he enjoyed reading, watching old westerns and war movies, along with NASCAR on TV. Visiting the Panhandle War Memorial each Sunday, walking his dog Shilo, trips with cousins to NASCAR races and special times with family and friends.
Bill was preceded in death by his parents and many aunts and uncles, as well as a cousin and one nephew.
He is survived by his wife Nancy; son, Dustin (Shelley) and daughter, Kelley; four grandchildren, Willie, Mimi, Marina and Alicia; and one great-grandchild, Kelby; sister, Donell (Kenneth) Davis; and brother, Harold McKinney. He leaves behind many special nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
Our family requests memorials in Bill’s memory be made to a Veteran’s organization, Amarillo Children’s Home, Gracie’s Project, or The High Plains Food Bank, all special to Bill’s heart.
Blessings to all that loved Bill.
A Celebration of Life will be held in the upcoming months. Cremation was by Boxwell Brothers Funeral Directors, 2800 Paramount Blvd.
Bill attended Wellington Schools graduating in 1968. Upon graduation he enlisted in the United States Army where he spent a brief time at the Pentagon in Washington, DC prior to being deployed to the Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe (Shape) in Mons, Belgium for the remainder of his service. Bill often looked fondly back on his time in Europe and expressed a deep appreciation for the opportunities to travel to other European countries while in Belgium. Bill always spoke with saddened heart of those who fought and died on behalf of our country. His patriotism was strong and deep. It was his passion to fly the American flag daily. Bill completed his military service as an E5 during his tenure in Belgium.
After his military service was complete. He returned to Wellington, where he met his future wife of almost 50 years. Bill and Nancy were married on November 17, 1973, in Wellington. The Lord richly blessed them with two children Dustin Tag and Kelley Meg. Bill was a loving husband and proud father who had a strong work ethic and devotion to family. Even though his work with the railroad regularly took him away from home. He always made a point to be there cheering Dusty and Kelley on with all the activities they were involved in, as well as the many projects Nancy enlisted his help doing.
In 1978, Bill began a career with Burlington Northern Railroad (BN) and after 37-1/2 years he retired in July 2015 from BNSF. Bill forged many strong and lasting friendships. He led and respected the hard work his men put forth.
In retirement he enjoyed reading, watching old westerns and war movies, along with NASCAR on TV. Visiting the Panhandle War Memorial each Sunday, walking his dog Shilo, trips with cousins to NASCAR races and special times with family and friends.
Bill was preceded in death by his parents and many aunts and uncles, as well as a cousin and one nephew.
He is survived by his wife Nancy; son, Dustin (Shelley) and daughter, Kelley; four grandchildren, Willie, Mimi, Marina and Alicia; and one great-grandchild, Kelby; sister, Donell (Kenneth) Davis; and brother, Harold McKinney. He leaves behind many special nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
Our family requests memorials in Bill’s memory be made to a Veteran’s organization, Amarillo Children’s Home, Gracie’s Project, or The High Plains Food Bank, all special to Bill’s heart.
Blessings to all that loved Bill.
A Celebration of Life will be held in the upcoming months. Cremation was by Boxwell Brothers Funeral Directors, 2800 Paramount Blvd.
To send flowers to the family in memory of Billy R. Mckinney, please visit our flower store.
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