Robert S McKinney

Robert S. McKinney passed away on June 22, 2013, in Fayetteville, Ark. Bob was born to George F. and Lillie Mae Staten McKinney in Little Rock, Ark., in August 1928. Bob moved to Fayetteville with his Mother and Dad at the age of 10 and has made Fayetteville his home since 1939. St. Peter made a timely decision when he "cleared" Bob McKinney for admittance. Bob was at the pearly gates to join his Sigma Chi brothers, a host of friends and many of his former clients. Bob graduated from Fayetteville High School in 1946, from the University of Arkansas-Fayetteville in 1952 with a BSBA, where he held honors his sophomore year, and was a member of the Omega Omega chapter of Sigma Chi Fraternity. He served in the Army during the Korean War with the 27th Infantry Wolfhounds from 1954-1956. He later attained the rank of Captain in the active Army Reserves. In his professional life, Bob was the second generation of the McKinney Insurance Agency. After five years of post-graduate work, Bob achieved the coveted Charter Life Underwriters (CLU) designation, and insurance certifications of LUTCF and CIC. Except for his military service, he was in practice as an Independent insurance agent in Fayetteville until his retirement. He was state president of Professional Insurance Agents Association of Arkansas, the NWA Life Agents Group, Insurance Agents Advisory Council 1975-77. Among many honors, Bob was awarded the 1978 Agent of the Year, and the NALU Robert L. Rose Professional Development Award in 1998. He devoted the last years of his professional life to teaching a licensing course to over 500 adult students for Travelers Corporation from 1998-2009. Bob was active in the Jaycees in Fayetteville and attended the Jaycees Outstanding Young Men awards; served as Post Commander of American Legion Post 27; active in U of A Arkansas Alumni and was a big Razorback fan; and was active in the Lions Club for over 30 years. Bob was married for over 62 years to the love of his life, Julia Ann Paisley, with whom he raised four exceptional children, Tom, John, Rick and Janie, who further enriched his life. The families are Tom (Victoria) West Fork, Ark.; John (Cindy) Tulsa, Okla.; Rick (LaNita), Fayetteville, Ark., and Janie McKinney, Fayetteville, Ark.; and five wonderful grandchildren, Paisley and Lacy of Fayetteville; Will of West Fork; and David and Andrew of Tulsa. Bob will long be remembered for his Fayetteville Public Access Channel show "Fayetteville Chronicles," and his Flashback column "Footnotes," in the NWA Times, which he wrote for over 20 years. Memorial Service will be held 11 am Wednesday, June 26, at the First United Presbyterian Church, in Fayetteville, Ark., with a visitation prior to the service from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. at First United Presbyterian, under the direction of Moore's Chapel in Fayetteville. Interment with military honors will follow, at 1 p.m. June 26, at the Fayetteville National Cemetery. The family wishes to thank the Fayetteville VA Medical Center, staff, doctors and nurses, who treated our father with great respect and kindness, plus countless others who cared for Bob. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Fayetteville Public Library, 401 W. Mountain St., Fayetteville, AR 72701, and the Fayetteville Veteran's Administration Medical Center, 1100 N. College Ave., Fayetteville, AR 72703 On Friday, June 28, a gathering of friends will be held at 6:30 p.m. at George's Majestic Lounge, where Bob was a patron for over 40 years. To place an online tribute, visit www.mooresfuneralchapel.com.