Jerald Ashton McKinley of Melissa, Texas passed away on March 16, 2021 at the age of 81. He was born on November 25, 1939 to Jack McKinley and Merlin (Ramsdell) McKinley in Cutler, Maine. Jerald married Suzanne Letarte on September 13, 1958 in Manchester, Connecticut. He served in the Air Force from 1958 to 1978 and achieved the rank of Master Sergeant. He moved his family to Texas where he worked until retirement at Rockwell International as a software quality controller. Jerry was a pistol enthusiast and organized competition shooting matches where he made many life-long friends.
He held an immeasurable love for his family. Jerry was a devoted husband and father that left an ever-lasting legacy of love, kindness, and positivity. He was a loving grandfather and he deeply cherished his relationships with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. There was an overwhelming love in Jerry’s heart for his sons-in-law who called him “Dad.” His carefree and jocular personality created many long-lasting and memorable friendships throughout his life. This is a testament to the amount of time and energy he invested in every person he met. He was truly a people person. Jerry faced every challenge he encountered with poise and positivity. He persevered through adversity with the same positive, carefree, and outgoing personality that his family and friends loved. He will be forever missed but never forgotten.
Jerald is survived by his wife, Suzanne McKinley of Melissa, Texas; sisters, Joyce Tartamella of North Carolina and Juanita Lanata of Florida; daughters, Pamela Whinnery of Rowlett, Texas, Laurie Sailsbury and husband, Michael of McKinney, Texas and Terri Hart and husband, Steven of Chester, Virginia; grandchildren, Stacey Windell of Rockwall, Texas, Emma Helverson and husband, Scott of Fort Worth, Texas, Joshua and Thomas Hart of Chester, Virginia; and great-grandchildren, McKinley and Millie Helverson.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Jack and Merlin McKinley.
A “come and go” remembrance gathering will be held at Turrentine-Jackson-Morrow Funeral Home. Only a limited number of guests will be allowed to enter the funeral home facility at any one time to maintain social distancing.