Henry Lee McKinney Jr.

It is with heavy hearts and profound sadness that we announce the passing of Henry Lee McKinney Jr., beloved husband, father, brother, pastor, and friend. Henry departed this world on May 11, 2026, after a brief but courageous battle with pancreatic cancer. He was 72 years old. Henry was born on May 23, 1953, in Jacksonville, Florida, to the late Henry Lee McKinney Sr. and LaVerna Salter McKinney. Raised in a nurturing household, Henry developed a deep sense of compassion and empathy, qualities that he carried with him throughout his life. He was predeceased by his cherished wife of 23 years, Karren Claiborne McKinney; his sister, Teresa McKinney Ricks; brother-in-law, Gene Ricks; and his loving parents. Henry was a devoted husband to Kathy Minton McKinney, with whom he shared the final two years of his life. Their union brought him immense joy and comfort. He was a proud and loving father to his sons, Joshua David, Adam Kendrick, and Jarred Michael, who were the light of his life. His legacy lives on through his surviving siblings, Patsy (Tony) Davis, Bobbie Jean (Curtis) Curry, and Walter (Sue Ellen) McKinney, as well as his many adored nieces and nephews, who will forever hold his memory in their hearts. A man of deep faith and conviction, Henry dedicated over 40 years of his life to serving as a Southern Baptist Pastor. His journey in ministry began as a Youth Pastor at First Baptist Church of Dallas, Texas, and First Baptist Church of Jacksonville, Florida. He then led congregations as a Senior Pastor at Madison Street Baptist Church in Starke, Florida; Oak Park Baptist Church in Gainesville, Florida; Fresh Start Fellowship in Keystone Heights, Florida; and First Baptist Church of Hawthorne, Florida. Henry's pastoral work was marked by his unwavering commitment to his faith and his genuine care for the people he served. Henry was a graduate of Terry Parker High School, class of 1971. He furthered his education at Liberty University, graduating in 1976, and later earned a Master of Divinity from Mid-America Baptist Theological Seminary in 1985. His academic pursuits were driven by a lifelong passion for learning and a desire to deepen his understanding of the theological teachings he held dear. Beyond his pastoral duties, Henry was an avid surfer who found peace and joy in the ocean's embrace. He cherished every moment spent with his sons, whether riding the waves or simply being present in their lives. Henry was a man who never met a stranger and cared deeply for people, touching countless lives with his kindness and warmth. A celebration of Henry's life will be held at Arlington Baptist Church, located at 6009 Arlington Road, Jacksonville, FL 32211. Family, friends, and all whose lives were enriched by Henry's presence are invited to gather and honor the memory of a remarkable man who lived his life with grace, love, and unwavering faith. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to a charity of your choice in Henry's memory. His spirit will continue to inspire and guide us, and his legacy of love and service will forever remain in our hearts. May he rest in eternal peace, embraced by the love he so freely gave to others.