Guy Russell McKinney Jr.

Today we celebrate a life extraordinarily well lived. Our beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend, Guy Russell (Rus) McKinney Jr., has stepped into the presence of Jesus - reunited with loved ones and welcomed into eternal joy, his body restored and his faith fulfilled.

Rus was a man of contagious encouragement, deep conviction, and generous spirit. He never missed an opportunity to share his love for Jesus or to remind others of their worth and potential. His life was marked not only by what he accomplished, but by how faithfully and enthusiastically he loved. He shared his favorite passage with us:

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding.

In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will make straight your paths." - Proverbs 3:5-6

Born April 30, 1942, in Shelton, Washington, to Guy Russell and Eleanor (Daviscourt) McKinney, Rus grew up in Centralia alongside his younger sisters, Carol and Patricia. He played basketball, delivered newspapers by bicycle, and developed the work ethic and determination that would shape his future.

When his family moved to Yakima during his sophomore year of high school to open an auto glass shop on South First Street, a foundation was laid for what would become a multi-generational legacy.

At 18, Rus faced what doctors called a terminal diagnosis: Ewing's sarcoma. Yet what could have been the end became the beginning of a testimony. Through experimental radiation and chemotherapy treatments led by Dr. David Christie of Seattle, Rus survived - a miracle that strengthened his lifelong faith. Dr. Christie and his wife Beverly later became cherished "adoptive grandparents" to Rus's children, a reflection of the deep relationships Rus inspired everywhere he went.

After graduating from Seattle University with a degree in accounting, Rus combined business skill with relational warmth. He grew into ownership of McKinney's Yakima Auto Glass, eventually passing leadership to his son Michael. Under Mike's direction, the business expanded into McKinney Glass - serving homes, businesses, and automated doors - and welcoming Joey as the fourth generation to carry the McKinney name forward.

The shop was more than a workplace; it was a training ground for life. Each of Rus's six children worked there at some point - breaking down boxes, repairing rock chips, sweeping floors, delivering cars, and earning doughnuts with the crew and celebratory Kemper's burgers. True to his thorough driving lessons, not one delivery accident occurred. Rus taught responsibility, excellence, and pride in honest work - all with a smile.

He adored being a husband. In January 1984, he married Barbara "Sweetheart" Joan Waldowski - a true partner in faith and life. Their marriage was joyful, affectionate, and grounded in shared service. Together they built a home filled with hospitality, laughter, prayer, and unwavering devotion to family.

As a father and grandfather, Rus was a joyful leader of his ever-growing tribe. He showed up - to games, performances, graduations, and everyday moments. He told his eight favorite stories countless times (always better with each retelling). He set high expectations because he believed fiercely in the people he loved.

Though he carried deep sorrow at the losses of his daughter Sarah (1988), grandson Chase Thomas McKinney (2006), and granddaughter Vivian Rose Weaver (2020), he honored them with tender remembrance and enduring hope.

Rus lived out "Service Above Self" as a devoted Yakima Rotarian for more than 40 years. He mentored new members, led projects, and poured himself into community causes with enthusiasm and conviction. In the early 2000s, he joined the board of Yakima Savings and Loan, helping guide its growth with integrity and faith-driven leadership for nearly two decades.

Retirement only widened his circle of joy. He deepened treasured friendships, remained steadfast in church and Bible Study Fellowship, and for over 30 years shared treasured trips to Kaanapali, Maui with Barb, family, and friends - sunlight, laughter, and gratitude woven together.

Rus loved hikes, swims, Sudoku challenges, competitive cribbage, gardening, spotless cars (washed without soap), and - above all - serving others. We imagine heaven is already more organized, more cheerful, and more encouraging with him there.

He is survived by his beloved wife Barbara; his children and grandchildren: David and Amanda McKinney (Caitlin and Duke), Michael and Amy McKinney (Joey and Lauren), Katie and Simon Weaver (Lucie), Ryan and Sarah McKinney (Hudson, Helen, and Oliver), James and Alex McKinney (Conner and Owen), and Megan McKinney and Jeff Morgan (Gavin and Brady); his sisters and their families; and many nieces and nephews who proudly knew him as Uncle Rus.

His legacy is one of faith, perseverance, laughter, leadership, and love. We are better because he was ours.

A celebration of Rus's life will be held at 2:00 p.m. Thursday, April 30, 2026 at Yakima Foursquare Church - his birthday. All are welcome.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in honor of Rus and his beloved granddaughter Vivian Rose to the Vivian Rose DIPG Fund (vivianrosedipg.org), a Family Partner with ChadTough Defeat DIPG, supporting families and funding critical research. Gifts may also be made to the Yakima Union Gospel Mission (yugm.org).