Obituary of Richard W. McKinney, Jr.

Richard Woodson “Woody” McKinney, Jr., 77 died Monday, April 4, 2016, at Palmetto Health Tuomey. Born in Sumter on October 28, 1938, he was a son of the late Richard Woodson McKinney, Sr. and Mary Louise Hinson Atkinson and later raised by his grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Kershaw Hinson. Woody retired from Korn Industries. He began working early as a delivery boy for a local grocery store, then worked at Lawson’s Pharmacy and was part owner of Swan Lake Pharmacy. His other workplaces included Southern Coatings, Brick Street Coffee Break, and La Bella Vita. A devoted member of the church of The Holy Comforter, Woody served in many ways, including as an acolyte in his early youth, working on many committees, being a member of the Monday Afternoon Book Group, serving on the Vestry, and being a Lay Reader. He was especially honored to become a Diocesan Lay Reader and in that capacity served not only his church but also other area churches and missions for more than fifty years. In the summer of 2015, Woody and several other members were honored at a reception for their many years of dedicated service to the church. A lifelong resident of Sumter, Woody loved his hometown, its people, and his church. He was devoted to his family and a steadfast friend to many. For years he was a familiar figure as he walked his daily five-mile route, cane in hand, waving to people as they passed. His warm, friendly personality and positive approach to life made him a pleasure to be around. Kind, thoughtful, and polite to all ages, Woody had a gift for making people feel comfortable and for showing genuine interest in them and their lives. His stories about the older days of Sumter never ceased to entertain and instruct; newcomers to the Heart of Sumter Neighborhood certainly benefitted from his knowledge of their homes. Woody’s presence will be missed by many. Surviving are two brothers, Danny Ray Atkinson (Nancy) of Fripp Island, SC and Michael Ernest Atkinson (Julie) of Sarasota, FL; two sisters, Mary Ann Brockman (Gene) of Ladson, SC and Patricia A. Foster (Larry) of Isle of Palms, SC; one step-brother, Jerry Atkinson of Sumter; one step-sister, Joyce Atkinson of Sumter; one sister-in-law, Teri Atkinson and numerous nieces and nephews whom he adored. He was preceded in death by a brother, Nathan Marshall Atkinson. Memorial Services will be held at 12 Noon Monday at the Church of the Holy Comforter. Burial will be in the Church of the Holy Comforter Memorial Garden. The family will receive friends in the church Parish Hall following the service. Memorials may be made to the Church of the Holy Comforter, P. O. Box 338, Sumter, SC 29151 or to the American Cancer Society, 128 Stonemark Lane, Columbia, SC 29210. On-line condolences may be sent to www.sumterfunerals.com Elmore Hill McCreight Funeral Home & Crematory, 221 Broad Street, Sumter, is in charge of the arrangements (803) 775-9386.