David Bruce Mckinney

David Bruce McKinney, (age 85) “D.B.” as he was called by dear friends and family, of Cleveland, passed away to his heavenly home on Tuesday, January 15th, 2019 in a local hospital in the presence of close family. He was born April 9, 1933 in Bradley County to John Jefferson McKinney and Ozelle Carpenter McKinney who preceded him in death. He was also preceded in death by 2 brothers, John Jefferson McKinney, Jr. and Larry Lee McKinney.
He is survived by his loving wife, Maralyn Cecil McKinney of Cleveland, son, Steve McKinney of Nashville, daughter, Rhonda (Tom) Bovine of Dayton, TN. He is survived by three grandchildren, Stephanie (Charles) White of Nashville, Emily (Brandon) Stanley of San Antonio, Texas, and Nathan Bovine of Chattanooga. He also leaves 4 great grandchildren, Natalie, Alexia, and David White of Nashville and Margaret Stanley of San Antonio, TX.
He is also survived by a sister, Sue (Jack) Dooley and a brother, Edward (Wilma) McKinney, all of Cleveland. He leaves several dear nieces and nephews as well as other friends and neighbors.
D.B. graduated from Bradley County High School and Cumberland University in Lebanon, TN. He enjoyed 40 years of service in the Army National Guard and retired as a Chief Warrant Officer 4. He was fiercely patriotic and loyal to his country. His service was a source of pride and achievement in his life. He was an avid Tennessee Vols fan, and enjoyed watching and talking about his favorite team. He was the best armchair coach you could ever want! He enjoyed NASCAR racing and followed his favorite drivers enthusiastically, attending many years of the famous Daytona 500 race.
D.B. enjoyed travel in his retirement years with “Mert” and was happy spending the winters in their Ormond Beach, Florida home. Yet, even as a snowbird, he loved coming home to the beautiful East Tennessee mountains and the city of Cleveland in the spring.
He enjoyed playing with his grandchildren and watching them grow. He supported all their many activities and helped guide them in learning life’s rules. David was a very blessed individual with a very full life and will be missed by his dear family and friends.
Please join the family for visitation and celebration of David’s life on Saturday, January 19, 2019 at 2:00 p.m. until 2:30 p.m. with funeral service immediately afterward at 2:30 p.m. at Companion Funeral Home, 2415 Georgetown Road NW Cleveland, TN. 37311. He will be laid to rest at Lebanon Baptist Cemetery.