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Levon McKinley, 75, went to join his loved ones in heaven on Wednesday, February 5, 2020. 

He struggled many years with heart problems and passed away peacefully with his family by his side.

Levon McKinley was born on November 15, 1944, in Atmore, to Bessie Mae Browning, 40, and James Thomas McKinley Sr., 42.

He had four brothers and four sisters, and spent his early years living in Atmore.

He was the first and only child to graduate from Escambia High School in 1962, and decided to join the military in 1964. 

He left on a bus for Mobile. Although he didn’t qualify, he saw a lovely lady who was also looking to join the military. 

She dropped a dime, he picked it up and the rest was history. He met his future wife, Carol Ann Latimer that day, and they married on April 10, 1964 in Bay Minette. 

The new family settled in Gulfport, Miss. in 1965 and their first son, William James “Jimmy” McKinley, was born in February 4, 1969.  Then on January 15, 1977, Misty Kay McKinley was born. 

He traveled all over the country working as a truck driver. He was known for his love of good southern food, wearing his overalls and cheering for his Alabama Crimson “Roll Tide!”  

He was happiest fishing at the beach front on the gulf coast, sitting in his recliner watching sports or listening to church sermons on the radio. 

Levon was preceded in death by Carol, his father; James, his mother; Bessie, his infant brother; his older sisters, Pauline, Christine and Irene; and his older brothers Clarence “Bo,” James “Bud” and Kenneth. 

He is survived by his two children, Jimmy McKinley and Misty Reyes; his sister, Margie Wasson; his two grandchildren, Kayla and Khristian Reyes; and several cousins, nieces and nephews. 

The family celebrated his life Saturday, February 8, 2020, at Petty Funeral Home.  

A graveside service and burial was held at Serenity Gardens Cemetery off U.S. Hwy 31, Atmore.

Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Homes LLC of Atmore was in charge of arrangements.