Jimmy Ray McKinney, 81, passed away peacefully at home on December 16, 2021.  Born and raised in Birchwood, TN, Jimmy was the youngest of nine children.  He graduated from the University of Chattanooga, eventually earning a Master of Education degree in 1969.  He retired in 2000, after nearly 40 years of teaching in the Hamilton County Public School System.  Another important part of his life began when he joined the Harrison Ruritan Club in 1968.  After years of hard work and dedication, in 2005, Jimmy was elected as the National Ruritan Office President.  Other honors include the Chamber of Commerce Teacher of the Year Award, Honorary Life Member PTA, reaching the highest level in the Tennessee Career Ladder Program, and President of the Hamilton County Education Association.

Jimmy was preceded in death by his mother, Willie Samples McKinney, and father, James Ernest McKinney.

He is survived by his loving wife of 60 years, Judy; children, Teresa, Kathy, Angela (Jon Oliver) and Ray; grandchildren, Melissa, Paisley (Marvin Crockett), Diego and Jared; great-grandchildren, Savannah and Damien, and great-great-grandchild, Perseus.

The family will receive friends on Tuesday, December 21, 2021 from 4 – 8 p.m. at Turner Funeral Home, Hwy 58 Chapel.  Visitation will also be held on Wednesday, December 22, 2021 from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.  A funeral service will follow in the chapel at 1 p.m. with Pastor Glen Jones officiating.

Jimmy will be laid to rest in McInturff Cemetery in Birchwood.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to be made to help cover medical and funeral expenses.  Donations can be dropped off or mailed to the family: 9131 North Hickory Valley Rd, Chattanooga, TN 37416.

Please share your memories and express your condolences to the family on their guestbook.