Billy Wayne McKinley

Billy Wayne McKinley, age 92, of Pine Bluff passed away Sunday, August 23, 2015, at the Chenal Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Little Rock. Mr. McKinley was born June 9, 1923, in De Queen, Arkansas, a son of the late John Ernest and Madge Emily Swatzell McKinley. Mr. McKinley was reared and received his education in El Dorado, Arkansas, graduating from El Dorado High School in 1941. After graduation, he enlisted in the U S Army in October of 1942, and served in World War II. He enjoyed flying his plane, a Globe Swift, with his favorite dog, Herc. Upon returning from the war, he worked in Beaumont, Texas for several years. He then moved to Houston, Texas, and began working for Trans Texas Airways as a machinist before moving to Pine Bluff in 1956, to begin working for Pine Bluff Concrete Products (now Ashland Oil) where he retired as Superintendent. Mr. McKinley was a member of First Baptist Church of Pine Bluff, the El Dorado Masonic Lodge and the York Rite. He was preceded in death by his parents and one brother, Logan McKinley and a sister, Marian Elder. Survivors include his wife, Alma Ruth Rhodes McKinley, whom he married November 26, 1958, while she was working at the National Bank of Commerce here, sons, Barron Wayne McKinley (Linda) of Little Rock and Billy John McKinley (Tamie) of Hot Springs; daughter, Kathy Ruth Rushing (Phillip) of Hensley; sister, Nancy Reid of El Dorado; honorary grandchildren, Kaci and Hannah Allen, Kera Jackson (Clint), Courtney McKinley; special grandson, Brayden McKinley and one sweet great-granddaughter, Kinley Grace Jackson. Funeral services will be Thursday, August 27, 2015, at 2 p.m. in the Chapel of Ralph Robinson & Son Funeral Directors with Reverend Micah McKinley officiating. Burial will follow in Bellwood Annex Cemetery. The family will receive friends at Robinson's Wednesday evening from 5 to 7 p.m. Memorials may take the form of contributions to Good Faith Carr United Methodist Church, 3703 Ryburn Road, Pine Bluff, Arkansas 71603. Online register: www.ralphrobinsonandson.com.