Mr. Lafayette "Mac" McKinnie Sr.

Mr. Lafayette McKinnie, Sr, or “Mac” as he was so affectionately called by many, was born in Somerville, TN, on February 14, 1940 to the late Frank McKinnie and Silvia Lee Ferguson-McKinnie. After the passing of his mother at a young age, Lafayette was reared in the household of his beloved aunt, Mrs. Cora Mae Ferguson-Spencer and uncle, Gus “Goat” Spencer. He received his public education in Hardeman County and Graduated from Allen White High School in 1958. As a youth Mac played Basketball and ran track. After High School Lafayette attended Tennessee State University (formally Tennessee A&I State University) and became active in several organizations including Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. While enrolled at Tennessee State University Lafayette was drafted into the Armed Services. Mr. McKinnie was a proud Vietnam War Veteran and received an Honorable Discharge from the United States Army. After discharge Lafayette returned to Tennessee and attended Lane College in Jackson, TN. During his Lanite years Lafayette became a charter member of the Delta Epsilon Chapter of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc; received several special recognition; and met his College Sweetheart, Ms. Josephine Short. Lafayette graduated Lane College with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in 1968. Lafayette was united in Holy Matrimony to Josephine Short on February 2, 1968, and to this union four children were born. Mr. McKinnie served as Director of JTPA/WIA/Southwest Human Resource Agency for over 25 years where he was blessed to provide thousands of people with employment opportunities and job training skills. Because of his devotion to helping others, “Lafayette McKinnie Day” was established in his honor by the Mayor of Jackson, TN. Lafayette McKinnie made it no secret that he loved God. Mays Hill Baptist Church in Hickory Valley, TN gave him a wonderful foundation in the ways of the Lord. He joined the Macedonia Baptist Church Family in Jackson, TN where he was a faithful member. He held various roles such as: Deacon, Male Chorus Member, Sunday School Superintendent, and Vacation Bible School Co-Director to name a few. He and his wife, Mrs. McKinnie enjoyed visiting the sick and shut in often--taking them needed items. He was preceded in death by his brothers Larman McKinnie and James Frank McKinnie. He leaves to cherish his memory his wife of forty-seven years; Josephine Short-McKinnie; four children: Denise McKinnie of Nashville, TN, Candace McKinnie (Weylin) Brown of Antioch, TN, Lafayette McKinnie, Jr of Jackson, TN and DeAngela McKinnie of Nashville, TN. They also have two wonderful grandchildren who called him “Big Daddy”: Christian McKinnie of Jackson, TN and Keaira Brown of Antioch, TN; his devoted brother Oscar Frank (Myra) McKinnie of Nashville, TN,who remained faithful until his passing; and a host of relatives, friends, co-workers, church members, and community members. To know him was to love him. His faith in God carried him throughout his life. .

Mr. Lafayette "Mac" McKinnie Sr.

February 14, 1940 - August 13, 2015