March 11, 1925 – September 3, 2016

Ralph McKinney passed away.
Visitation will be on Wednesday, September 7, 2016, at First Baptist Church Franklin, Texas from 1 pm to 2 pm. Service to follow at 2. Interment will follow at Bickham Cemetery, Tabor, Texas.
Ralph was born in Kelty's, Texas on March 11, 1925 to Robert Coleman (Pat) and Mattie Bell Chambers McKinney. He was one of three boys. Ralph graduated from Lufkin High School. Then joined the Navy. After his service in the Navy during World War II, he returned to Lufkin where he pursued a degree in Forestry form Stephen F. Austin College in Nacogdoches.

He worked for the Forestry Service for a short time, then worked as County Office Manager of the Agricultural Stabilization and Conservation Service (ASCS) of the US Department of Agriculture. He started in the Galveston County office in 1955 and then transferred to the Robertson County ASCS office in Franklin in 1949 as served as the County Executive Director. He then accepted a position in the Texas State ASCS office in College Station, where he served as an Administrative Officer until he retired in 1988.
Ralph was a member of the First Baptist Church, was a deacon, trustee, served on several committees, sang in the choir and taught Sunday School. He was Santa Claus in the Christmas Parade for many years.

He was a member of Patrick Masonic Lodge #359 and received his pin for 60 years of service. He served about 45 years as a Cooperative Weather Observer for the National Weather Service. He was a member of the Volunteer Fire Department, served on the City Council for a number of years, and was a City Judge. He was the Precinct #6 Chairman for the Democratic Party and a member of the Lions Club.
He was a very active member of the VFW and American Legion. He loved his country and also the freedom that he enjoyed. He spoke at FHS and also at Trevor McKinney's school in Katy about his experiences in the Navy.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Robert Coleman (Pat) and Mattie Belle McKinney, brothers, Roberts Charles McKinney and Philip McKinney, and best friend Harry Smith.
Survivors include his wife of 51 years, Helen Jane, and children Judy Maddux, and husband Bud, Robert "Bert" McKinney, and wife Sally, Ralph Coleman McKinney, and wife Tiffani, Phillip Scott McKinney, and wife Michelle, Charles Stuart McKinney, and wife Felicia. Grandchildren Kim & Mike, Michael, Tanner, Katie & Matt, Andrew & Bonnie, Ryne & Lauren, Bryce & Lexie, Peyton, Kyla, Rylie, Robyn, Trevor, Reece, Maddie, Mallory, Brooke, Seth.
Great Grandchildren Kortney & Clint, Kyle, Elizabeth, Sylvie, Natalie and Halle. Great-Great Grandchildren Cooper and Cannon. His pet Honey, a yellow lab and many, many friends and family.

Honorary Pallbearers – David Martin, BJ Middleton, Thomas Phillips, Skip Jones, Robert "Bob" Richards, Nester Leamon, John Sanders.

Memorials may be made to American Legion Post 266, P.O. Box 337, Franklin, Texas 77856 or VFW Post 1836, P.O. Box 393, Lufkin, Texas 75902.