Will Amous McKinney, 72, died of a lengthy illness August 10, 2022, in his home. Will was born in Douglassville, Texas on December 29, 1949, to Aaron Charles (A.C.) Rowe and Willie Austin-McKinney.

Will was a 1968 graduate from Atlanta High School Atlanta, Texas; however, he attended two years of study at Booker T Washington High School in Atlanta, Texas. Will was the first black student to integrate Atlanta High School in 1966 where he was a star football player.

After graduation he served in the United Stated Armed Forces for seven years. He was employed at Red River Army Depot as an Integrated Systematic Mechanic and retired after 35 years of service. To further his education, he attended two years at Texarkana Community College after he was honorably discharged from the military.

Will has two daughters Tomiko McKinney, Tonjuana McKinney and an adopted son Yakini McKinney from a previous marriage. Later Will united in marriage with Bobbie Jean Banks on November 27, 1976; this union God blessed for 45 years.  Will attended Piney Grove Baptist Church where he served as Director of the Maintenance Ministry, a member of the choir and church treasurer.

Will is predeceased by: Father, Mother, brothers (Ezekiel, Johnnie, Sammie, Charles, Maurice and Lonnie); and sisters (Catherine and Aline).

He is survived by his wife, daughters, adoptive son, granddaughters Ashlee and Bliss and great-grand daughter Bralynn; brothers Harold McKinney and Billy Rowe; sister Merline Lawson.

Funeral services will be held at Piney Grove Baptist Church, 83 Piney Grove Circle, Texarkana, Texas. Saturday August 20, 2022, at 11:00 AM. Rev. George Bradford, Officiant.

Visitation will be held August 19, 2022 at Haynes Mortuary at 7238 W. 7 ^th St, Texarkana, Texas 75501 from 5 pm to 7 pm.