Ernest Westley McKinney

Ernest Westley McKinney, 72, passed away February 26, 2023, after a courageous battle with Metastatic pancreatic Cancer.  He was surrounded with peace and love, as his children were at his bedside. Ernest gave his life to Christ at the Durham Apostolic Church of Christ in the 1990’s and went to join Him last weekend. 

Ernest was born December 31, 1950, in Durham, NC. He was a son to the late Ralph Madison McKinney, Sr. and Sadie Young McKinney. In addition, he was preceded in death by his brother, Ralph McKinney, Jr.; and his sister Barbara “Bobbi” Jean McKinney.

Ernest was a very proud father of 5 girls and 2 boys, and he always let them know that they were his pride and joy. He was a Veteran of the Vietnam War, as he proudly served in the United States Coast Guard for 8 years. Ernest worked very hard to support his family, and most of the time he held 2 jobs.  He completed 2 associate degree in computer science and nearly a third degree in accounting. He was a devoted father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, friend and will be remembered as such.

Mr. McKinney is survived by his wife, Cindy L. McKinney; their 7 children, Chris Davison McKinney (Penny), John Madison McKinney, Elizabeth Janell Sharrow McKinney, Theresa A. McKinney, Christy H. McKinney, Grace “BJ” McKinney Diggs (Robbie), Rebecca Renee Faith McKinney; his grandchildren, Brittany Moore, Mathew Westley Crerend, David Mock, Lily Asherah Olds, Brittany Sharrow, Angelica Rose McKinney Campbell, Peyton Blake McKinney Going, Jacob Elijah Baker, Abigail Alayna Steven, Aydin Elias Mohammed, Hope McKenzie Diggs, Elliana Elizabeth Diggs, Jennifer Madison McKenney and Julia-Anne Rose McKenney; one great grandson Damien Asmodeus Olds; and one sister Emily McKinney Johnson; as well as many other loving family members and friends.

A visitation will be held from 10:00 - 11:30 a.m., Saturday, March 11, 2023 at Hudson Funeral Home. A graveside service will follow at 12:00 p.m. at Oak Grove Memorial Gardens with Rev. Toby Wall officiating.