Obituary of Philip Terrill "Terry" McKinney
Philip Terrill McKinney was born in Monroe, Michigan on August 3, 1951. He was one of two children born from the union of Charles Homer and Ruth Inez (Cline) McKinney. Terry as he would affectionately become known, was a 1969 graduate of Monroe High School. He furthered his education by attaining an Associate in Nursing Degree from Lincoln Memorial University in Harrogate, Tennessee.
Terry was an avid sports fan, never missing an opportunity to watch or attend a sports event, from football to baseball, to golf and fishing. He could be counted on to always root for his beloved University of Michigan Wolverines football team, all while wearing the well-recognized maize and blue team colors. He also cheered for the Detroit Tigers baseball team, any team playing from his Alma mater, Monroe High School, as well as The Tennessee Volunteers.
Terry was a self-proclaimed nerd. In high school, he was a drum major in the marching band. He also enjoyed catching a great Sci-fi flick or flipping the pages of his favorite Comic book. If there wasn't a sports game to watch or a new Sci-fi superhero movie to see, you better believe Terry was watching old westerns. No matter how many times he had seen it, he reacted as though it was his first.
Terry loved his Southern Gospel music and in his younger years he could often be heard belting out a few hymns while singing in the church choir or in his gospel group.
Above anything, Terry loved his children and grandchildren. He also welcomed his children's spouses, as though they were his own. He valued visits with them all and never wanted their time together to end. Terry made memories and was memorable no matter where he went. He was well-known and well-respected from his childhood through his adult years.
Philip Terrill McKinney, age 71, of Monroe passed away at 7:12pm on Friday; October 14, 2022, at ProMedica Toledo Hospital. His passing was preceded by his parents.
To cherish his memory, he leaves a son: Philip Scott (Miranda) McKinney; two daughters: Tara (Nathaniel) Church, Christina McKinney; a sister: Deborah (Rick) Rigsby; four grandchildren: Caitlyn Grace McKinney, Keegan Philip McKinney, Madeline Elaine Ross, Hannah Rose McKinney and one aunt: Velma J. Lindensmith.
Friends may gather from 2:00pm until 7:00pm on Wednesday; October 19, 2022, at Merkle Funeral Service, South Monroe; 14567 South Dixie Highway, Monroe, Michigan 48161 (734) 241-7070. A Celebration of His Life will follow at 7:00pm with Pastor Spencer Snow officiating. Interment will take place on Friday; October 20, 2022, at Riverview Cemetery in Harrogate, Tennessee.
Online guests may visit www.merklefs.com to leave words of inspiration and comfort or to share a photo.