General Lee McKinney, Jr.

With profound sadness and deep admiration, we announce the passing of General Lee McKinney, Jr., affectionately known as "Pop," who passed away peacefully on February 28, 2026, just one day shy of his 84th birthday, after a courageous battle following surgery. Born on March 1, 1942, in the warm community of Waxhaw, North Carolina, General Lee was a beacon of strength, resilience, and kindness throughout his remarkable life. General Lee was the cherished son of the late General Lee McKinney, Sr. and Naomi Davis McKinney, who instilled in him the values of hard work and compassion that would define his journey. A proud graduate of Barr Street High School in 1960, he pursued further education for a year before following his entrepreneurial spirit to establish McKinney Cement Finishing, Inc. For 45 years, he helmed his company with unwavering dedication and skill, gaining respect not only for his exceptional work ethic but for his gentle spirit that left an indelible mark on all who knew him. In 1962, General Lee married the love of his life, Betty Jean Houston. Together they shared 54 wonderful years of marriage, building a family rooted in love, laughter, and music. Betty predeceased him, leaving behind a legacy of devotion and partnership that will forever be cherished by their children: Marilyn Priscilla Glenn, General Lee McKinney, III (Renee), Sharon McKinney Stitt (James), Lamanual Lee McKinney, Sr. (Tracy), David Dwayne McKinney, Sr. (Beverly), Torrey Faray McKinney, Sr. (Ronda), Tanja LaShunne McKinney, and Shea McKinney Sherman. Pop's family was his pride and joy, and his legacy continues through his surviving sisters Margaret Cureton, Clara Duckett, Ona Gallop, and brother Hick McKinney. He leaves behind 22 grandchildren, 21 great-grandchildren, and two great-great-grandchildren who will carry forward his values of kindness, humor, and hospitality. His family, including a host of nieces, nephews, extended relatives, and countless friends, each bear the imprint of his love and generosity. An active member of Steele Hill AME Zion Church throughout his life, General Lee was a man of faith whose quick wit, warm smile, and comforting presence enriched his community. His love for sports, especially baseball, was legendary, and his storytelling could captivate any audience, leaving them with laughter and wisdom. The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the nursing staff at Atrium Main, his caregivers at Pavilion Brightmore, and his Steele Hill AME Zion Church family for their unwavering support and care. A service celebrating Pop's extraordinary life will be held on March 7, 2026, at 12:00 PM at Steele Hill AME Zion Church, located at 6021 Charlotte Hwy, Lancaster, SC 29720. All who were touched by his kindness are invited to join in honoring his memory. In the spirit of Aesop's enduring wisdom, "No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted," we remember General Lee McKinney, Jr. not just for the life he lived, but for the lives he enriched with his love, humor, and unwavering kindness. His memory will live on in the hearts of all who were fortunate to know him.