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William McKinnon Obituary


Family-Placed Death Notice

McKINNON, William, Jr. William Boston McKinnon, Jr. of Darien, Georgia passed away on Tuesday June 15, 2010. Born on September 30, 1935, in Milledgeville, Georgia, he was the son of William Boston McKinnon and Ethelyn Nightingale McKinnon of Brunswick, Georgia. Mr. McKinnon was raised in Savannah, Georgia, graduated from the Hun Preparatory School in Princeton, New Jersey and received a Bachelors Degree in Business Administration from the University of Georgia. He served in the United States Naval Reserve from 1953 to 1961. In 1961 he moved to Atlanta, Georgia where he worked as a stock broker for a number of years. After a brief apprenticeship at the famed Galatoire's Restaurant in New Orleans, in 1972 he opened McKinnon's Louisiane Restaurant in Atlanta, where it remains in successful operation as a hallmark of fine dining. Mr. McKinnon was fortunate to have developed a rewarding career from his love of cooking which he enthusiastically shared with his family and many friends. He was a member of the Sons of the American Revolution, and a former member of the National Restaurant Association, the American Institute of Wine and Food, the International Association of Cooking Professionals, the Pickwick Club of New Orleans, the Oglethorpe Club of Savannah, and the Savannah Yacht and County Club. Mr. McKinnon is survived by his wife of 6 years, Elizabeth Forbes McKinnon, a son and daughter-in-law, William Boston McKinnon, III and Theresa of Bethesda, MD; grandchildren William, Daniel, Lillian, Thomas, and James; daughter Clerc Nightingale McKinnon of Atlanta, GA; sister and brother-in-law, Marjorie McKinnon Simpson and John Ely Simpson of Savannah; and several nieces, nephews and cousins. He was preceded in death by sister Lynn McKinnon Glendinning. A graveside service will be held at the Palmetto Cemetery in Brunswick, GA Wednesday, June 23, 2010 at 11:00 am, followed by a reception at The McKinnon House located at 1001 Egmont Street, Brunswick, Georgia. Arrangements are in the care of Whitfield Funeral Home, North Chapel, Demorest, GA.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Atlanta Journal-Constitution on Jun. 19, 2010.

Memories and Condolences
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Troup Nightingale

June 15, 2011

We love ya Billy! Hearts!

July 30, 2010

I have so many wonderful memories of Billy during our teen age years in Savannah. He was always the life of the party with his great personality and wonderful musicical ability. I vividly recall many a summer night when we all congregated around Billy and his guitar and sang into the wee hours. Those were the days! My sincere condolences to the family. Betty O'Donnell Peltier

charlene fisch

July 28, 2010

I am sad to learn of Billy's passing. Am grateful for a reunion in Tiger, Ga...with him and Libba. My condolences to all of you...A great loss.
with love, Charlene Fisch
Clayton, Georgia

Hal Crawford

July 3, 2010

I was saddened to learn of Billy's passing. Billy and I go back to the 1950s at the Univ. of Georgia when we enjoyed many good times together, especially the parties at the Zebra House. Then after I graduated and returned from service I bought my first stock investment from Billy. I will always remember Billy for the good times we had together. My condolences go out to his family and friends and may he rest in peace.

Betsy Bearden

June 24, 2010

My heartfelt condolences go out to the family, friends, and loved ones of Billy McKinnon. Billy epitomized the American Dream: Go after what you love and do it; you will live a rewarding life in return. He embraced life by living it to the fullest and giving something back—Southern Hospitality, delicious food, unforgettable memories, and a taste of Louisiana, only 350 miles closer…he will be missed.

Glenda Rowland

June 22, 2010

I think of you of often from the many years of great times, great food and great service at McKinnon's Louisiane, which will always be my favorite restaurant. You always had a joke to share with us. You will be sadly missed. My condolences to your family and friends.

Ann and John Harvey

June 22, 2010

No bond is as great as that between a parent and child. My deepest condolences are with you as you grieve.

I am so sorry for your loss. If there is anything I can do let me know. You are in our thoughts and prayers.

Jan Porter

June 22, 2010

To the family... my sincere condolences to you all...Billy never met a stranger - and never failed to feed one sumptuously - both on Cheshire Bridge Road with his mama and on Maple Drive for years - he gave a lot of us a home away from home, the warmth of friendly surroundings and music and laughter as well as wonderful friendship,food and service. His absence is and will be missed. Jan Porter

June 22, 2010

My sincere condolences to the family of Billy McKinnon. He was an outstanding restauranteur and will be remembered by his patrons for McKinnon's on Maple Drive in Atlanta.
Fran Asher
Cumming GA

Alan Smith

June 21, 2010

To the family...
I am so sad to learn of Billy's passing and I think of all the wonderful meals and hsospitality that Billy has shown me over many many years here in Atlanta.
Please accept my sincerest sympathy.

Troup Nightingale

June 20, 2010

We miss you, Billy.

Whitfield Funeral Home

June 19, 2010

Offering our deepest condolences during this difficult time.

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To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can now have memorial trees planted in a National Forest in memory of your loved one.

Funeral services provided by:

Whitfield Funeral Homes and Crematory - North Chapel - Demorest

245 Central Avenue P.O. Box 58, Demorest, GA 30535

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