Benny Ray McKinney

There were times he was stubborn and times he was strict, but one thing is certain: there was never a second he was unloved. Benny Ray McKinney was embraced by his parents on May 13, 1937 in Gonzales County and was embraced by the Lord on October 17, 2015. He is reunited with his father and mother, Aubrey Tip McKinney and Lillie Lea Ivy; his brothers, Homer and Burl McKinney; and his brother-in-law, Floyd Quinney. He is patiently waiting for the love of his life, his wife of 54 years, Catherine Dennehy McKinney. He would have traveled to the end of the world for her, and is anticipating the day he can hold her hand again. He is continuing the job of watching over and protecting his five beautiful children, Mary Catherine, Patricia Ann, Carol Jean, Stephen Ray, and Susan Marie; along with his sons and daughters-in-law Brian, Danny, Greg, Kelli, and Amber; who will always remember how he taught them to dance, how hard he worked, and how willing he was to help family and others, no matter what. He is also survived by his sister, Josephine Quinney; his sister-in-law Mary Ann McKinney; his brother-in-law Richard Dennehy; and his sister-in-law Dolores Dennehy. He was a hero and role model to 18 grandchildren and a proud great-grandpa to 11, showing them the true meaning of never giving up no matter how hard life got, reminding them that it's never too late to make a change, and teaching them the correct way to lift the candy dish lid so grandma wouldn't hear. He will be missed by his six nephews and three nieces, as well as countless friends who he will continue praying for, like he did every day. Benny Ray was quick to lend a helping hand on earth, using his expertise to benefit those around him. He was strong, continuing on when others thought he couldn't, and refusing to let others tell him what he couldn't do quitting just wasn't in his nature. It's without a doubt that he's continuing to help out where needed in heaven, teaching the other angels how to be just as strong and brave as he is, and showing them how to sneak ice cream out of the freezer at night. Visitation will be held on Wednesday, October 21st from 5:00-7:00 p.m. at MeadowLawn Funeral Home, with Rosary to follow from 7:00-8:00 p.m. Funeral Mass of Resurrection, will be held on Thursday, October 22nd at 10:00 a.m. at Holy Name Catholic Church. Interment to follow at St. Jerome Catholic Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to the American Cancer Society (www.cancersocietyofamerica.org) or the Patient Access Network Foundation (www.panfoundation.org). Benny Ray was a fighter, and his family will carry on that legacy.