Trice Funeral Home, Inc. | Fuquay-Varina, NC

Obituary For Andrew McKinnie, Jr.

Andrew McKinnie, Jr., 88, of Fuquay-Varina, NC, passed on August 9, 2023, at UNC Rex Healthcare in Holly Springs, NC.

Andrew was born to Andrew McKinnie, Sr., and Minnie Jones McKinnie on March 10, 1935, in Wake County, North Carolina. He united in Holy Matrimony with Dorothy Williams McKinnie. To the union, two children, Elliott and Lisa were born.

Because he was an excellent student, Andrew was accepted into Morehouse College in Atlanta, Georgia. However, before his dad died, Andrew promised to care for his mother. The dutiful son, he honored his promise to his father, stayed with his sick mother and helped her throughout her life until she passed.

Post-high school, he served honorably in the United States Army in Germany. Later, he attended Wake Technical College. With an exceptional analytical and mechanical aptitude, he was trained in the tool and die trade. He went on to Rockwell International to successfully work for twelve years.

He was hired to work for Guilford Mills as the first Black person to work in a hiring position. There, he helped many Black people find jobs.

He would later attend and finish Heavy Equipment Driving School and go on to found and own the successful company bearing his family name, McKinnie Trucking Company.

Many young people held him as a mentor in mechanics, building, farming, and cooking because Andrew was wise and knowledgeable about many different trades and the world.

Spiritually, he was a member of the Douglas Chapel Methodist Church in Holly Springs, NC. He joined the church at an early age. He loved and served the Lord throughout his life and was a member of the choir and on the trustee board for as long as his health allowed him to serve.

He was a strong man who never complained about life’s ups and downs. When things broke, he fixed them. When things fell, he built things to put them upright again. He did what needed doing, and often helped those who needed help in whatever manner he could, whether it be time, skills, money, or a listening ear. When he did something, he made sure he did it the right way.

Andrew had a “winking” chuckle, often shared when he was being witty, making jokes about everyday things, during everyday moments. His ability to make you laugh about everyday things forced you to think a little harder when you talked to him, lest he notice something he could make you laugh about.

In his free time, he liked to watch Westerns, especially those starring John Wayne, and shows like Gun Smoke and The Rifleman. He liked to hunt, fish, and boat. Through the years, he enjoyed driving his family to the mountains. Good with tools, he was a master-builder, on one occasion turning a basic garage into a cottage that displayed great craftmanship in design, materials, and building. Andrew also gardened, expertly conditioning soil and growing a plentiful bounty of fruits and vegetables, such as figs, grapes, plums, corn, potatoes, and more.

Just as the sun rises and sets, so will the heavens open up its gates and receive Andrew. He was a good man. Smart. Strong. Quiet. Gentle. As Maya Angelou reflects in her poem, “On the Pulse of Morning,” he was a rock; he was a river; he was a tree. He graced this earth and those around him for eighty-eight years until God decided to bring him home. Dear God, please save a special place in heaven for him.

Andrew leaves to cherish his memory and continue his legacy, his wife, Dorothy Williams McKinnie; son, Elliott Tracy McKinnie (Rosa Dew McKinnie); daughter, Lisa LaVonne McKinnie Blackwell (Gregory Blackwell); grandchildren, Candice Dew McKinnie and Tiffany Tracy McKinnie; step-grandchildren, Amadeo Blackwell and Jordáo Blackwell; brother, Caleb McKinnie; brothers-in-law; sisters-in-law; nieces; nephews; and a host of extended family and loved ones.

Per Andrew’s wishes (and this will not surprise those of you who knew him, for he was about as practical a man ever made), there will be no funeral. Andrew thought people should honor the living and do for them while they are on this earth. The family wishes for you to cherish memories of your time with him. The family may choose to hold a memorial service at a later time.

At the family's request, they will not be receiving visitors at the home. Please respect this request. They thank you for your thoughts and prayers. Cards and expressions of condolence may be sent to the family at 6519 Rex Rd., Holly Springs, NC 27540.

Nothing Gold Can Stay

Nature’s first green is gold,
Her hardest hue to hold.
Her early leaf’s a flower;
But only so an hour.
Then leaf subsides to leaf.
So Eden sank to grief,
So dawn goes down to day.
Nothing gold can stay.
-Robert Frost

Andrew McKinnie, Jr. His Legacy and Legend will live on.

Guest Book

Condolences to your family in the loss of Andrew. May he rest in peace. Cousin Marion Tucker

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Keeping the family in prayer

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Dorothy and family, sincere condolences to you all, may the Lord comfort each you. Darlene Norris-Bowden

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Prayers for the family. Juanita Bright

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Prayers for the family

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Condolences to you all cousin Tracy and the rest of the McKinnie, Dewar, Tucker and Jones family of the loss of Cousin Andrew. Cousin Marlon Willoughby

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Condolences to you all cousin Tracy and the rest of the McKinnie, Dewar, Tucker and Jones family of the loss of Cousin Andrew.

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Condolences to Dot,Lisa,Tracy,and Caleb. You have our sympathy-Just cherish all the memories. Andrew will be welcomed by Ma Minnie and Aunt Halcie. Remember God is a caring God. That pickup just looks just like him. Joy will come again. The Jessie Dewar Family

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Aunt Dot and family, We want to remind you that "goodbye" is really "see you later." We know how difficult things are for you right now, but as you keep this truth close to your heart you will find peace. Love you , LaVerne, Brandon and Bryce

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When we first met, I called him Mr. McKinnie. Later on, it became Daddy. Though your physical presence is gone, your love, kindness, wisdom, knowledge, and teaching will always be here, and I will cherish you forever. You helped me, and I helped you. To know that we both took care of each other and cared for each other, I will hold dearly in my heart. The respect was mutual between us, and I am so thankful to have known such a wonderful person. I'm going to miss you, but I can't be selfish because God has welcomed you into Heaven. Your son-in-law(son), Greg

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OUR CONDOLENCES TOO THE FAMILY WAS MY TEACHER Mrs DOROTHY IN THE 7 GRADE SORRY ABOUT Mr ANDREW Rip KENNETH AND GENEICE PEARSON

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Our dear sister Dorothy, nephew Tracy and niece Lisa and her husband Gregg, please accept our deepest sympathies. We will forever hold the fondest memories of our brother-in-law, Andrew. We appreciated his years of service to United States military. To us, he was kind, generous, easygoing, softspoken, and knowledgeable about many things. -From the sisters- and brothers in-laws: Catherine W. Jeffries, Joan W. Goodson, Shirley W. McClain, Magdalene W. Battle, Jane W. Bullock, Jimmy Williams, and Stanley Lawrence Williams

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With sincere sympathy to the family. May God be with you at this difficult time. Falton & Varetta Judd

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From the Hood Family

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Rip cuz.May GOD send an Angel of Comfort in your time of Need.GOD BLESS FAMILY.Alway remember GOD make No mistakes

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Our staff will continue to keep your family in our prayers. We thank you for allowing us to serve your family.

- Trice Funeral Home, Inc. | Fuquay-Varina, NC