Earl Gray McKinney, 85, of Salisbury, passed away unexpectedly Sunday, July 1, 2012, at his residence.
Mr. McKinney was born April 30, 1927, in Engelhard, to the late Xenia Selby McKinney and Junious Thomas McKinney.
He was educated in the Hyde County School system and served in the United States Army from 1944-1945.
In addition to his lifelong farming career, he worked at the Duke Power Buck Steam Plant where he retired after 31 years of service. He was a member of St. Mark’s Lutheran Church in Salisbury and also was a Sunday school teacher and Council chairman. He served as livestock director for the Rowan County Fair for many years, was active in numerous farm organizations, the Miller Russell American Legion, and VFW Post 3006.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife of 60 years, Ruth Yost McKinney; brothers, Vincent A. McKinney, Hiatt J. McKinney and Noah R. McKinney; sisters, Ruth M. Mann and Louis M. Fulp.
Those left to cherish his memories include a son, Alan Gray McKinney (Teresa) and a daughter, Melanie M. Ferguson (Stan); brothers, P.D. McKinney and P.H. McKinney; sisters, Willie M. Testa, Eunice M. Dwiggins, Irene M. Hinson and Emogene M. Carawan; granddaughters, Heather Jamerson (Jason) of Madison Heights, Va., Heidi Keller (Andrew) of New York, N.Y., Whitney Ferguson of Austin, Texas, and Lauren Ferguson of Raleigh; great-grandchildren, Alex and Anna Jamerson.
Visitation will be from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m. today at St. Mark’s Lutheran Church, 5202 Mooresville Road, Salisbury.
A funeral will be conducted at 11 a.m. Thursday at St. Mark’s Lutheran Church, Salisbury, conducted by the Rev. David Nelson and the Rev. Gene Bruce.
Memorials may be sent to St. Mark’s Lutheran Church, 5202 Mooresville Road, Salisbury, NC 28147
Lyerly Funeral Home is serving the McKinney family.  Online condolences may be made at www.lyerlyfuneralhome.com