Charles Douglas McKinney

Charles Douglas McKinney, Sr., “Big Mac”, was born in Cincinnati, Ohio to the late Vertis & Victoria (Kirkland) McKinney. He was the 10th out of 15 children born to this union. Charles’ spirit departed from us on May 15th, 2022 @4:44pm, surrounded and embraced with the love of his family.

Charles grew up in the West End, attending Cincinnati Public Schools, graduating from Courter Tech High School in 1962. Later that year entering into the Airforce, where he then served for four years as an air policeman in Vietnam before he was honorably discharged. After his service Charles went on to earn two degrees and pursue his career as an Accountant and an Electrician, before his early retirement in the late seventies. He was very skillful with his hands and enjoyed carpentry and auto mechanics.

Charles loved music and often expressed his love through his singing and dancing. Even in the moments where his memory was declining, he never forgot the melodies to his favorite songs or the dance moves that went with them! He also loved bowling and was a member of various professional bowling leagues for over 30 years. He was a professional card player and a member of the Cincinnati Bid Whist Association. In his later years he would even volunteer in assisting the homeless with meals and clothing, alongside The House of YisraEL Cincinnati congregation on Sunday’s.

Charles was all about family and friends, He loved everyone and was always extending a hand to those in need. He was preceded in death by his parents- Vertis Sr. and Victoria; three sisters- Deloris Young, Joyce Johnson, and Diane Jackson; five brothers- Robert, Vertis Jr., Stanley, and two infant brothers. He leaves behind to cherish his memory a long time best friend and companion of more than forty years, Rachel Richardson. Eight children: Ben, C.Edward(Crystal), Doug(Tillie), Shawna, Trevena, Silva(Heidi), Charles, and Ophir(IshiYAH). Six sisters- Wilma Johnson, Betty McKinney, Wardean Griffin, Gloria Smith, Shirley Jones, and Brenda Thomas. Twenty-seven grandchildren, and a host of great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. 

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