1942-2024
Ernest Lee McKinley, age 81, of Pine Bluff, passed away Monday, February 26, 2024.
Born February 28, 1942 at North Little Rock, he was a son of the late Logan McKinley and Othelia Carmack McKinley. He graduated from Pine Bluff High School in 1960 and attended Arkansas A&M College (now the University of Arkansas at Monticello).Ernest also served in the Arkansas Army National Guard, retiring as a staff sergeant.
He worked as a draftsman for the US Army Corps of Engineers for several years and was involved in the construction of Locks and Dams #4 and 5 on the Arkansas River. Ernest also worked as a purchasing manager for Martin Machinery Company for several years. He worked as a “hand-man” for a number of years doing odd jobs for residents of Pine Bluff. He was a skilled craftsman and loved his work.
In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by a son, Brian Lee McKinley and brother, Glen McKinley.
Survivors include his wife, Sue Lockhart McKinley, whom he married in July of 1964; his children, Tonya McKinley Lausten (David) and Terry McKinley (Kelley Harris-McKinley; a granddaughter, Lauren Lausten-Sanchez (Ryan); a brother, Allan McKinley (Rosie); and a sister, Carolyn Pollett (John).
There will be a visitation on Saturday, March 2, 2024, beginning at 9:30 a.m. at Fuller Hale-South Funeral Chapel. The service will follow at 10:30 a.m. with Brother Allan McKinley officiating. Interment will be private in Graceland Cemetery.
