Michael "Kelly" McKinnis

Michael "Kelly" McKinnis, our beloved "Poppie," husband, daddy, brother, uncle, friend, and coach, went home to be with the Lord on September 21, 2022. The loss for us is great, but the gain for Heaven, where he was surely greeted with the words "Well done My good and faithful servant" is even greater. Born in Ashland, Oregon, on November 16, 1944 to Glen & Wilma McKinnis, Kelly, as a middle child of five, lived farm life and loved sports as a youngster. That love of sports continued to grow through junior high and high school after he moved over the hill to Butte Valley, where he excelled in both academics and athletics, becoming an especially avid baseball player and fan. Most importantly, this is also where he met the love of his life, Susan Kaylor. Admirably, they spent 65 fantastic years together, sharing the best life adventure raising their family. Kelly's tremendous heart for giving and providing made him very committed to his work, and even more devoted to his family and serving others. All who knew him saw him live this out in every job or task he endeavored: running a wrecker late at night to put food on the table when they were just starting out; going from teller to manager spanning 27 excellent years as a banker, then spending 32 productive years as the Finance Director for the City of Weed, where he worked tirelessly to support, develop, and flourish the community he genuinely loved. Not only did he sit on local, state and non-profit boards, he humbly served individuals on his own time to make their lives better. He may have retired in 2019 at 74 years young, but he never stopped serving, and never wanted or needed to receive recognition for anything he did, always reminding us that what he gave belonged to the Lord, and that his treasures & rewards were in Heaven. He felt incredibly blessed, so he joyfully lived to be a blessing. Here is just a glimpse of some of the other ways he loved and blessed us: leading in Boy's Brigade; coaching baseball and filming football & basketball games; contributing as an Elks' member and becoming a founding charter member of Rotary Club; faithfully tithing, counting and teaching Sunday School; tenderly caring for many creatures great and small, like his companion doggies, barn kitties, birds, squirrels, horses, and countless other critters. He was a true and loyal steward with a charitable heart full of compassion. He knew no stranger, and would give the shirt off his back to anyone in need, and did so many times. Kelly is cherished and survived by his "Honey,"/ wife Susan, daughter Annette James/Phil, daughter Michelle McKinnis McGee/Matt, all of Weed, and son Michael McKinnis/Christy, of Elk Grove; 10 adoring grandchildren: Holly Landon/Michael, Becky McMahon/Justin; Matthew James; Katie Bush; Noelle Jones/Dallas; Claire McGee; Mikey McKinnis/Ellie; Nathan McKinnis; Ryon McKinnis; Emma McKinnis; 7 great-grandchildren: Bailey, Owen, Laney, Jessie, Zoey, Jasper, and Oakley Ray. His surviving siblings are Patty Wiley of Medford, Alan McKinnis of Oregon City, and Billy McKinnis of Ashwood, Oregon. His younger brother Scotty greeted him joyfully in Heaven. The list goes on, of many others who considered him like a dad, granddad, or a brother; nieces & nephews, students, athletes, and colleagues, all who loved him, and have been immeasurably blessed to know him and call him friend. The greatest desire of Kelly's heart was that people know the saving grace and love of his Heavenly Father (John 3:16) and that they'd find peace in placing their faith and trust in God (Proverbs 3:5-6). That explains why he lived the unselfish life he did... blessing others daily with generosity of time, talent and treasure, just simply, yet profoundly being the hands & feet of Jesus... in unassuming humility of spirit, he never knew the full extent of the impact God made in people's lives through him. We do know, however; we who have been touched by this precious man's beautiful life well lived, and we shall carry on his legacy... hoping and striving to do these two things: love God and love people. There will be a Celebration of Life for Kelly at the Weed Berean Church, 2515 US Hwy 97 in Weed, on Saturday, November 5, 2022 at two o'clock in the afternoon. In lieu of flowers, please give to a charity of your choice.

Michael "Kelly" McKinnis

November 16, 1944 - September 21, 2022