Harry Earl McKinney, Sr.

December 11, 1955 – April 17, 2026

A much-loved Husband, Dad, Papa, Son, Brother, and dear friend. Harry Earl McKinney, Sr., age 70 of Johnston City/Marion, passed away on April 17, 2026 at 7:13 P.M. at Herrin Hospital Surrounded by his loving family.

He cherished every moment spent with his wife, Cindy, and took great pride in bringing his family together. He especially loved hosting family dinners, often gathering everyone at least once a month, simply because being together meant everything to him and he wanted each person to know how important they were.

He worked many years as a manager with Union 76, later as a supervisor at A.M.S. and Birmingham Steel, and retired from Diagraph Bradley as an ink processor. Harry was a man of strength, selflessness, and unconditional love. He had the most amazing sense of humor. He fought courageously against a rare blood cancer (MDS). Though treatments offered hope, he ultimately passed due to congestive heart failure. He fought tenaciously, hoping for another 10 more years to have the opportunity to see his great-granddaughter, Ivory Jane and let her know just how much he loved her.

He is survived by his loving wife of 51 years, Cindy McKinney (Calvert). The two met in the spring of 1971 at her family home, introduced by her big sister Sherry and cousin Bob, and were married on March 21, 1975, building a lifetime of love together of 51 years. He is also survived by his children, Melissa McKinney, Harry McKinney Jr., and Amber Schultz (Chris); his grandchildren, including Keanna Mckinney, Kennon Hearn, Brayden McKinney, Ethan Holmes (Sarah), Evan Holmes, Megan Holmes (Christian), Ethan Schultz, Trinity McRoy, Christian Thurman, and Travis Ticer; and his great-grandchildren, including Lilianna, Gracelyn, Keira, Ivory Jane, Aniston, Nevaeh, Grayson, Jolene, and Nolan. Cousins MaryLee Faugh, Bob and Patty Farr, Becky Hill, Thomas and Retha Burdett, Debbie Sullins, Dick Sullins. Harry is further survived by many dear friends, including Dean and Linda Johnson, Troy Edmonds, Jim Greeney, Joe, John, and Rudy.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Harold Dean and Lela McKinney; his granddaughter, Chelsey Jane Mckinney; his son-in-law, Bryan Holmes; and close friends Norman and Carol Jackson.

Harry will be remembered for his deep love of family, his resilience, and the lasting impact he made on everyone who knew him.

We would like to send a special thank you to all of the Dr.'s, Nurses, respiratory, in the ICU Unit and North wing at SIH of Herrin, the ICU Step Down Unit at SIH of Carbondale, and the staff at St. Joseph Memorial Hospital, Hospice of Southern Illinois, SIH Cancer Institute of Carterville, and Dr. Gina Gunther.

Graveside services will be held Saturday, April 25, at the Spring Grove Cemetery in Crab Orchard at 1:30 P.M. with pastor Roger Russel officiating. Visitation will be held at the Murman and Wilson Funeral Home from 11:00 A.M. to 12:00 Noon Saturday.