Weaverville – Gerald Thomas McKinney, 69, of Alexander, went home to be with his Lord and Savior on April 17th, 2023, at 10:00 pm following an extended illness.

Gerald was the son of the late Carlie and Marylene McKinney, and brother to the late Elaine Maynor.

He is survived by his loving wife of 42 years, Rebecca "Becky" Fox McKinney; son, Wes McKinney and wife Naomie; daughter, Hannah Sutton and husband Andrew; three grandchildren, William McKinney, Jace McKinney and Ethan Sutton; brother, David McKinney and wife Janie; brothers-in-law, Zale Maynor and wife Rosalee, and Mark Fox and wife Clarinda; father-in-law and mother-in-law, William and Jean Fox; nieces, Amanda Maynor and husband Josh, Alicia Frasure and husband Michael, Savannah Alshaer and husband Will, and Cecile Fox; nephews, Curtis Maynor and wife Jennifer, Andrew McKinney and Carson Fox; as well as many loved great nieces and nephews.

Gerald was a veteran of the Southern Gospel Music Ministry, to which he had dedicated over 50 years of his life. He was an avid Atlanta Braves fan and found great enjoyment in following the team. He followed high school football and supported Mountain Heritage every time he was healthy enough to see them play. Jered and Erica Pope along with their daughter Addie and son Walker held a special place in the family's heart. They were loved as though they were his own children. Throughout Gerald's travels he made many special friends and acquaintances. We hope they were as blessed by his presence as he was by theirs.

A funeral service will be held at 11:00am on April 21st 2023 at Robbie Capps Memorial Chapel of Blue Ridge Funeral Service. Reverend Jerry Jamerson will officiate. Burial will follow in Little Ivy Baptist Church Cemetery. Serving as pall bearers will be Jered Pope, Wes McKinney, Andrew Sutton, Andrew McKinney, Curtis Maynor, Michael Frasure, Josh McElrath and Matt Jamerson. The family will receive friends from 5pm-7pm on Thursday April 20th 2023, at the funeral home.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.blueridgefuneralservice.org