Walter "W.A." McKinney Jr. was born September 27, 1920 in Goodwater, Alabama. He was the youngest of four children born to Walter Sr. and Pearl McKinney and accepted Christ at a young age. At 22 Walter joined the United States Army serving in World War II where he received many decorations and awards.  After faithfully serving his country, Walter met his wife Mamie and later started a family. He dedicated more than 40 years to Alabama By-Products Company before retiring. After retirement, Walter continued to serve his community by mentoring youth as a foster grandparent in the Senior Corps Foster Grandparents Program.

In addition to serving his country and his community he faithfully served his church, Mt. Heron AME Zion. There, he was the Superintendent of Sunday School, Preacher Stewart, President of Stewart Board and also taught Sunday School until the age of 95.
Walter was called home to glory on February 16, 2018. He leaves to honor his memory his beloved wife Mamie McKinney, his daughters Nadine Ginwright and Deborah McKinney and son Timothy McKinney (cherished daughter-in-law Ann). He was preceded in death by his adored children Sgt. Larry McKinney and Dr. Beverly McKinney.

Walter was blessed with 13 grandchildren; Harlow Ginwright, Ramar (Sherrise) McKinney, Cameron (Alvernita) McKinney, Kabaka (Paul) Teague, Africa McKinney, Ashaki (Derek) Wilham, Dyatta Ginwright, Ashanti (Deetrice) McKinney, Patrick McKinney, Aisha (Carter) Hatch, Kenyatta (Shawne) McKinney, Jabari Reynolds, Ashley McKinney and a host of great and great-great grands, nieces and nephews.
Special friends: Arthur James Sears and Charles Lomax.
His contagious smile, life stories and words of wisdom will truly be missed by all he touched.
"And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain…"
-Revelations 21:4

He faithfully served his country in World War II then dedicated more than 40 years to Alabama By-Products Company before retiring. Walter was called home to glory on February 16, 2018 leaving to honor his memory his beloved wife Mamie McKinney, his daughters Nadine Ginwright and Deborah McKinney and son Timothy McKinney (cherished daughter-in-law Ann). He was preceded in death by his adored children Sgt. Larry McKinney and Dr. Beverly McKinney. Walter was blessed with 13 grandchildren and a host of great and great-great grands, nieces and nephews.