Obituary for Deacon Rodney Jerome “Trif” McKinney, Sr.
Rodney Jerome “Trif” McKinney, Sr. was born on January 18, 1949, to the late
David and Dorothy McKinney in Beaumont, Texas. On November 5, 2025, he was
called home by his Heavenly Father.
Rodney accepted Christ at an early age and was baptized at Scott Olive Baptist
Church under the leadership of Reverend S.I. Mitchell. A faithful and devoted member
throughout his life, he served under the leadership and guidance of the late Rev. L.R.
Dornes, Rev. A.L. Jones, and the current, Pastor David L. Hudson. He was an active
ordained Deacon, dedicated member of the Men of Presence (Brotherhood) and a
faithful member of the Choir and Finance Committee. He used his gifts and talents to
serve God and his church family with excellence and humility.
Rodney married his high school sweetheart, Mercy Lee Smith-McKinney, in 1973.
Their union was filled with deep love, laughter, and many cherished memories that
reflected their unshakeable bond and devotion to one another.
Rodney attended public schools in the Beaumont Independent School District
and graduated from Charlton-Pollard High School in the class of 1967. After graduation,
Rodney proudly served his country in the United States Army for two years. Upon
returning home, he worked as a welder at Bethlehem Steel for many years until the
company closed. He later retired from Beaumont ISD and worked at Baptist Hospital
until taking medical leave.
Rodney was preceded in death by his parents, David and Dorothy McKinney; his
loving wife, Mercy Smith-McKinney; son, Rodney McKinney, Jr.; his sisters, Imeldia
Cantue and Corrine McKinney-Miles; his brothers, William, David, Lloyd and Wendell
McKinney, all of Beaumont, Texas.
Rodney leaves to cherish his memories: his sisters, Gloria McKinney-Willis and
Sharon Ann McKinney; sister-in-laws, Joyce Smith-Wells (Rufus); Rosemary Harris,
Jeannette Smith-Holmes (Karl), Elizabeth Smith-Shivers; brother-in-laws,
William Miles, Calvin Smith, Jr., Robert Smith (Rosalyn), Henry Smith, Kevin Smith,
David Smith, and Russell Smith (Yolanda), Wesley Smith (Sadelia), Reginald Smith
(Rhonda) and Kerry Smith (Faye); daughter-in-law, Lanisha McKinney; God-sons,
Steven McKinney and Graylen McKinney; bonus son, Jahvarian Thomas; bonus
grand-children, Marlayshia and Jacobie Rollins, and a host of nieces, nephews,
great-nieces, great-nephews, other relatives and friends who will forever hold his
memory close to their hearts.
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