Robert Jefferson "Jeff" McKinney

Robert Jefferson "Jeff" McKinney, a devoted family man, community leader, and lifelong steward of tradition, passed away peacefully at his residence in Denton, North Carolina, on Sunday, May 24, 2026, at the age of 68. Born in Gaston County on October 15, 1957, Jeff was the beloved son of the late Bob McKinney and Nancy Miller McKinney.

Jeff’s professional journey was deeply rooted in family heritage and hard work. He began his career at Jacob’s Creek Stone Company, working alongside his grandfather and father, before ultimately taking the helm as owner. His engagement with the company spanned over half a century, a testament to his dedication and unwavering commitment to the family's legacy.

Beyond his career, Jeff was a pillar of his community and church. A faithful member of Summerville Baptist Church, he served diligently as a deacon and was an active participant in the Men's Brotherhood. Through this outreach ministry, Jeff devoted countless hours to building ramps for those in need and cutting firewood for elderly neighbors, demonstrating his genuine compassion and selflessness.

Jeff was equally passionate about his community roles. He held the position of past president of the Denton Jaycee’s Club, volunteered as a RA leader, coached little league, and served on the Board of Hospice of Davidson County. During his presidency on the Hospice Board, he helped lay the groundwork for what is now the Hinkle Hospice House, a significant achievement that has had a lasting impact on the care and support available within Davidson County.

Jeff was a loyal Clemson fan who never missed a chance to wear orange and purple. He loved spending time on the golf course and in his younger years on the tennis court. He was an outstanding baseball pitcher from little league through early college. However, the true center of his heart was his family. He was a devoted husband to his loving and caring wife, Debbie Hedrick McKinney, a proud and supportive father to his son, Matthew McKinney, and daughter, Ashley McKinney, and a cherished grandfather to RaeLynn and Isla McKinney. Jeff never missed any of his children’s sporting events—a tradition that joyously continued with his granddaughter RaeLynn. His grandchildren held a special place in his heart, embodying the warmth and affection he generously gave.

Jeff is survived by his wife Debbie, his children Matthew McKinney and his wife Kristin and Ashley McKinney, and his treasured grandchildren RaeLynn and Isla. He was preceded in death by his parents, Bob and Nancy McKinney, and his brother, Mark McKinney.

A visitation will be held on Friday, May 29, 2026, from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Briggs Funeral Home – Denton Chapel, located at 103 E Salisbury St, Denton, NC. The funeral service will take place on Saturday, May 30, 2026, at 11:00 AM at Summerville Baptist Church with Rev. Thomas Frizzell and Rev. Flynn Richardson officiating, followed by interment at Mountain View Memorial Gardens.

Robert Jefferson "Jeff" McKinney's life was marked by steadfast devotion to his family, tireless community service, and an enduring faith. His legacy lives on in the many lives he touched and the community he so dearly loved. He will be remembered with the greatest respect and affection by all who knew him.

Memorials can be made to Hospice of Davidson County 200 Hospice Way, Lexington, NC 27292, ALS United North Carolina at www.alsnc.org., or Summerville Baptist Church Brotherhood 3134 Summerville Ch. Rd. Denton, NC 27239