Steve McKinney

Steven Lane McKinney passed away June 7, 2026, at the age of 80. Steve, fondly known as “Mac” was whole-heartedly devoted to his family, friends, church and Savior. He truly “walked the walk” of his Christian faith every day.

 Born May 27, 1946, in Olney, Illinois, Steve was the son of the late Avery A. McKinneyand Madge Songer McKinney. The family moved to Mississippi when Steve was a young child. He graduated from Kosciusko High School in 1964 and maintained close connections with several of his classmates throughout his life. Steve met his wife of 56 years, Becky Burch McKinney, on a blind date in Warren, Arkansas in March 1969. They had a whirlwind courtship and married on August 23, 1969.

 Steve graduated from Mississippi State University in 1970 and was a member of Sigma Chi fraternity. He was a life-long Bulldog fan, but he loved following all sports, often texting his family during games to discuss plays and calls. He especially loved watching his grandchildren play and made every effort to travel to see their games. In 1975, Steve began his career in insurance when he joined Kyle Chandler Insurance Agency in West Point. In 1993, the agency merged with Galloway-Wiggers Insurance to become Galloway-Chandler-McKinney Insurance. Throughout his 43-year career, Steve served on several boards including President of the Clay County Industrial Development (1978-79), Board of Trustees for West Point Municipal Separate School District (1983-87) and Palmer Home for Children in Columbus, MS. Midway through his life, Steve experienced a Christian rebirth and divine transformation in his faith. He spent the next 32 years diligently studying the Bible and sharing his faith. He was well-known for his encouraging text messages to family and friends often with a Bible verse that was Spirit led. He also loved to worship through music, often playing his trumpet in church. He served as an elder at First Presbyterian in West Point for many years.

Steve led an active lifestyle playing tennis, bird hunting, and competing in cutting horse competitions. He excelled in his cutting shows on his favorite horse, Gator, earning a first-place buckle on occasion. He loved all elements of nature, especially the mountains of Colorado where he and Becky had a home in Pagosa Springs for 20 years. He loved to tell jokes and make people laugh. He was a great storyteller, a great dancer and created his signature dance move, “The Crank” which was always requested at wedding receptions.

Steve is survived by his wife Becky, daughter Ashley McKinney Chambliss and her husband Chad of Madison, MS, daughter Rebecca Lane McKinney of Ridgeland, MS and his grandchildren, Avery Lane Chambliss and Charles “Charlie” Edward Chambliss. He is also survived by his sister, Nancy Jo Arndt of San Diego, CA, and a host of nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and sister Wanda L. Crews of Effingham, Illinois.

Visitation will take place Wednesday, June 10 th , 2026, at First Presbyterian Church, EPC in West Point from 5 to 7 pm. Visitation will also be held Thursday, June 11 th from 10 to 11am with a Celebration of Life service at 11am at First Presbyterian Church with Rev. Brandon Bates officiating. Burial will follow at Greenwood Cemetery, West Point, MS. Robinson Funeral Home of West Point is handling all arrangements. Pallbearers are Tom Briggs, Chad Chambliss, Kyle Chandler IV, Charlie Chandler, Kyle Chandler V, Sam Marshall, Tim O’Brien and Tim Yelverton. Honorary pallbearers include James Carty, Kyle Chandler III, Hollis Cheek, Tommy DeLashmet, Mark Hazard, Steve Hazard, Frank Hopper, Lex Jackson, Rusty Jeffrey, Keith Kenne, Bob Marshall, Mike Matthews, Roger Merchant, Larry Moore, Scott Segrest, Lee Stafford, Joe Trulove, the officers of First Presbyterian EPC and members of the Hazard Sunday school class.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to First Presbyterian Church, EPC, P.O. Box 366, West Point, MS 39773, Palmer Home for Children, Columbus, MS (palmerhome.org/donate) or a charity of the donor’s choice.