Wade McKinney of McKinney, Texas arrived at his heavenly home on January 9, 2022. He lost his battle with Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases related to his exposure to agent orange in the Vietnam War.
Mr. McKinney was born January 1, 1943 to Wade (Sr.) and Naomi McKinney in Mt. Airy, North Carolina. The family moved to Dallas when he was 8 years old. He graduated from Greenhill Preparatory School, Cook County Jr. College, and Texas A&M at Commerce, Texas. Mr. McKinney earned a bachelor’s degree before enlisting in the United States Navy. While enlisted, he served his country on the U.S.S. Conflict, a minesweeper that sought out and destroyed underwater hazards. Mr. McKinney also worked on a supply base in Vietnam, drove a pettibone forklift unloading ships that brought in supplies for all branches of the military, and served as a storekeeper.
After his tour of duty was complete, he returned home to Dallas where he met and married the love of his life, Polly Sue Irish. Mr. McKinney proceeded to complete his master’s degree in education and subsequently acquired his mid-management principals certification. He devoted his efforts to a teaching career that lasted over 30 years. During that time span, Mr. McKinney was a coach, an elementary teacher, a high school math and science teacher, and an elementary school principal. There is no doubt he influenced a multitude of young people during his tenure.
After his retirement, he continued and expanded upon his passion for competitive shooting sports. He was a member of SASS - Single Action Shooting Society. Wade's alias was Conestoga Rider (C-Rider). Mr. McKinney regularly met with a local group that participated in steel matches. He was an accomplished marksman that won many awards for accuracy.
Mr. McKinney is survived by his wife of 51 years, Polly Sue Irish McKinney; daughter, Julie Willis (Mike) of Rosharon, Texas; brother, Dr. Mike McKinney (Leah) of Somerset, Kentucky; grandsons, Josiah and Jonah Willis of Rosharon, Texas; brother-in-law, Robert W. Irish of Randolph, Texas; nephews, John Irish (Ann) and James Irish; niece, Shannon Benton; and a host of other loving family and friends.
As a family, we would like to thank Kim Kunkle of Cardinal Senior Living/Angelica Care homes for their outstanding care and compassion for Wade.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to First Baptist Church McKinney to the Agape Sunday School class, Alzheimers/Dementia Foundations, Second Amendment Foundation, or the NRA.
Due to the pandemic, no visitation will be held but interested parties are encouraged to visit at their convenience Turrentine Jackson Morrow Funeral Home and Ridgeview Memorial Park, 2525 Central Expressway North, Allen, Texas 75013 to sign the register book.
A graveside service with military honors will be held at 11:15 a.m., Wednesday, January 19, 2022 at Dallas Fort Worth National Cemetery, 2000 Mountain Creek Parkway, Dallas, Texas.