Obituary of Terry Lee McKinney Sr.

Terry Lee McKinney Sr., 79, died July 10 in Rockwall Texas.

Terry was born in Oklahoma City, the oldest child of Denham Curtis McKinney and Janie (Long) McKinney. He is survived by his sister, Rosalie Ann Spencer, his two sons Terry Lee McKinney Jr. and James Curtis McKinney as well as seven grandchildren and ten great-grandchildren. He was predeceased by his mother and father and younger brother, Ronnie Curtis McKinney.

Terry grew up in southwest Oklahoma City where he graduated from US Grant High School in 1959, where he participated in Band and played baseball. After graduating the same year, he joined the US Navy at the age of 17.

Terry served in the Navy for 21 years as an Air Boatswain and retired with the rank of Chief Warrant Officer 4. He specialized in fire and rescue operations, catapults and cockpit. Terry served on three aircraft carriers, USS Forrestal, USS Lexington and USS America, which was his last duty station.

Terry is a veteran of the Vietnam War, where he completed two tours stationed on the USS Lexington in the Gulf of Tonkin. The first tour was at the start of the conflict and again later at the end of the conflict where he assisted in the evacuation and fall of Saigon. Other duty stations included Guam, New Jersey, Virginia and Puerto Rico.

While serving in the Navy, Terry was awarded the National Defense Service Medal, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, and Navy Medal of Honor, among others.

After retiring from the US Navy, Terry worked in the maritime industry, resurfacing commercial and military vessels, specializing in aircraft carriers.

Additionally, Terry served 27 years in the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary as an instructor teaching basic seamanship and navigation.

Terry was a lifelong Mason, belonging to Hall Lodge #53 in Shawboro, NC. Additionally, he was a member of the Pasquotank River Yacht Club where he served on the club’s board, competed in club races and was involved in youth sailing.

Final burial services

Saturday June 11 at 1:30 p.m.

Rest Heaven 500 SW 104th St.

Oklahoma City Alright. 73139