Gary Cletus McKinney
September 7, 1936 ~ May 21, 2020
Gary Cletus McKinney
September 7, 1936 – May 21, 2020
Gary Cletus McKinney, of Reston, Virginia, passed away peacefully on May 21, 2020. Gary was born on September 7, 1936 to Ruth Bowman McKinney and Frank McKinney in Lebanon, Oregon. Gary served in the United States Air Force for four years and then went on to graduate from Oregon State University. He later earned a Master of Science degree at Florida State University. Over his professional career, Gary served 40 years with the Department of Energy in various Procurement executive positions, in Field Operations and in Washington, D.C. Headquarters.
Gary is survived by his loving wife and sweetheart of 37 years, Maureen (O’Brien) McKinney, son Jim, granddaughter Bailey, and sister Linda (Darrell) Cox. Gary was predeceased by his son Frank. He is also survived by his many loving nieces and nephews, extended family members, and friends. He will be dearly missed by all.
To the delight of many, Gary shared his impish, dry wit, often when least expected. He had a kind, loving heart and was quick to give a word of encouragement or lend a helping hand. His warm smile welcomed everyone he met.
Gary loved his family, all children, the ocean and the beach, reading, fishing, and all animals. He became adept at cooking on his Traeger smoker and enjoyed entertaining at home. He believed strongly in physical fitness. One of Gary’s proudest achievements was climbing to the top of Mount Rainier in Washington State. He was a fan of the Oregon State Beavers, the Redskins, and the Nationals.
A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at Saint John Neumann Church, 11900 Lawyers Road, Reston, Va 20191 on Friday, June 5, 2020 at 11:00am. As seating is restricted, please RSVP to Maureen McKinney at 703-505-0929. The Mass will be live streamed. To watch the live-video go to http://saintjn.org/live-stream/ scroll down and click on the box for Gary’s funeral.
Fond memories of Gary and expressions of condolences may be shared at www.moneyandking.com. In lieu of flowers, contributions if desired may be made in Gary’s memory to the Stroke Comeback Center, 145 Park Street, Vienna, Virginia 22180.
September 7, 1936 – May 21, 2020
Gary Cletus McKinney, of Reston, Virginia, passed away peacefully on May 21, 2020. Gary was born on September 7, 1936 to Ruth Bowman McKinney and Frank McKinney in Lebanon, Oregon. Gary served in the United States Air Force for four years and then went on to graduate from Oregon State University. He later earned a Master of Science degree at Florida State University. Over his professional career, Gary served 40 years with the Department of Energy in various Procurement executive positions, in Field Operations and in Washington, D.C. Headquarters.
Gary is survived by his loving wife and sweetheart of 37 years, Maureen (O’Brien) McKinney, son Jim, granddaughter Bailey, and sister Linda (Darrell) Cox. Gary was predeceased by his son Frank. He is also survived by his many loving nieces and nephews, extended family members, and friends. He will be dearly missed by all.
To the delight of many, Gary shared his impish, dry wit, often when least expected. He had a kind, loving heart and was quick to give a word of encouragement or lend a helping hand. His warm smile welcomed everyone he met.
Gary loved his family, all children, the ocean and the beach, reading, fishing, and all animals. He became adept at cooking on his Traeger smoker and enjoyed entertaining at home. He believed strongly in physical fitness. One of Gary’s proudest achievements was climbing to the top of Mount Rainier in Washington State. He was a fan of the Oregon State Beavers, the Redskins, and the Nationals.
A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at Saint John Neumann Church, 11900 Lawyers Road, Reston, Va 20191 on Friday, June 5, 2020 at 11:00am. As seating is restricted, please RSVP to Maureen McKinney at 703-505-0929. The Mass will be live streamed. To watch the live-video go to http://saintjn.org/live-stream/ scroll down and click on the box for Gary’s funeral.
Fond memories of Gary and expressions of condolences may be shared at www.moneyandking.com. In lieu of flowers, contributions if desired may be made in Gary’s memory to the Stroke Comeback Center, 145 Park Street, Vienna, Virginia 22180.
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Gary was a wonderful friend who will be remembered as a kind-hearted man who was a joy to be around. His grilling expertise produced the best tasting ribs! His love for Maureen was apparent to all. We are blessed to have known Gary. Terry and Dave Maynard
GARY WAS ONE OF THE NICEST, KINDEST, FRIENDLIEST AND FUN TO BE WITH GUY. LOVED HIS DRY SENSE OF HUMOR AND HE WAS A WONDERFUL COOK. I WILL ALWAYS REMEMBER GARY ORDERING GILBERT, THE BIRD WIND CHIME HANGING IN HIS KITCHEN,THAT I LOVED SO MUCH. HE HAD ONE SENT TO VINCE AND ME. GARY ALWAYS MADE YOU FEEL AT HOME WHEN WE VISITED AND HE WILL BE TRULY MISSED BY SO MANY. MAY HE NOW REST IN PEACE WITH HIS BELOVED SON, FRANK, AND ALL FAMILY AND RELATIVES. JUDY AND VINCE
Maureen we are so sad to hear this news celebrate Gary’s life we are thinking of you and the whole family Frank , Cyndi and Kyle Mackell , from Taiwan
A candle was lit for the decedent.
I missed Gary’s smile. When he smiles the whole room lit up. He was a smart and an amazing man.
To us, Gary was family. Few people enter your lives that mean so much, and we are thankful that Gary entered ours. His smile and cute laugh will remain in our hearts. Tom adds that he remembers their backyard conversations that exposed Gary’s genuine humor which they would laugh to tear-filled eyes. We love you and Maureen so much. Doris and Tom Hontz
Gary was our dear friend for over 20 years. As couples, we spent many enjoyable evenings celebrating special occasions and dinners. Gary had a dry sense of humor, a gleam in his eye, a smile on his face, and enjoyed people. He made everyone feel comfortable. He will be missed. We send our condolences to his lovely wife, Maureen. Lillian and Brian McEnany
Grandpa was one of the best people I know. He never failed to make me smile and laugh. Grandpa always had his sense of humor with him regardless of the situation. He cared about everyone and made legendary ribs. I seek comfort in knowing that he is with Frank, causing trouble and eating McDonalds. I will forever think of him every time I see anything Oregon State related, a Traeger, or pesky squirrels eating out of a bird feeder.
I have frequently described dad as my superman. From racing across the yard to catch me when I fell from a swing set, to providing words of wisdom – even when it was “any port in a storm”, to sharing his knowledge of grilling and woodworking – I will never try to build another stair case without him. I shared his obituary with a few co-workers, and one of them responded that “he sounds a lot like someone I know.” I am assuming that they are referring to me, and if so, it is the best complement that I have ever received. I will always strive to be like him every day. I am glad he had Maureen for the last 35+ years to make you an even better person than you already were. Dad, you will be missed! I hope that you are enjoying your Sausage McMuffin with your feet buried on the beach. Wishes to you for tight lines, warm breezes, and good friends.
Gary, a very special man a wonderful sense of humor..dry of course. We ‘ out-laws’ enjoyed our fabulous siblings party together. Lots of side comments between us. Prissy misses the times she spent with Gary on our Sea Isle deck watching and discussing the passers-by . Gary will always hold a special place in our hearts. God bless
I was always especially fond of my Uncle Gary and felt quite special to not only have him as an uncle but as my godfather as well. His genuine smile and dry sense of humor were my favorite qualities about him. Uncle Gary always took time to check in on me and was interested to hear about what was going on in my life. As a kid he would always ask me about irish dancing and as I got older he took time to talk to me about education and being a teacher. More recently he took just as much interest in my children, and my black lab Rory. He had a sharp memory and every conversation we had picked up right where we left off. Uncle Gary was always so in tune to what was going on in my life, so much so that he knew the night I was getting engaged and no one had even told him! I’ll never forget that night in Sea Isle as I was getting ready to go to dinner with my then boyfriend. Uncle Gary stepped in my room and asked me if I thought tonight’s dinner was going to be special as he pointed to my finger. I laughed and said no way, and with a sly smile he looked at me and said “well if you’re not crazy about this guy I wouldn’t go to dinner with him tonight…” and he walked out of the room. Later that night at dinner my boyfriend and I got engaged. We were greeted back at the house by all of our family. When I asked Uncle Gary if Rob had told him he was going to propose he swore he didn’t, but he said he just had a suspicious feeling and walked away with that same sly smile. I will miss our summers at the shore together and spending every holiday together. My Uncle Gary will be missed but certainly not forgotten!
We sure are going to miss Uncle Gary, he would hate it if we called him uncle. He was a kind, soft spoken, funny guy. He would always stand in the background observing but sure knew how to make comments about things quietly to share laughing moment. One comment I will never forget he made on our wedding video was to John, now that he was married and was no longer to have time to himself, Gary wanted to know if he could have John’s fishing tackle. John really enjoyed his early morning walks getting coffee, talking fishing, building or whatever John wanted to talk about. Gary was a great sport who would listen and share lots of laughs with John. We will all surely miss him and his friendly smile. He will always hold a special place in our hearts. Love, John, Tara, Julie, Abby, and Johnny Seifert
We have had the absolute privilege of knowing and enjoying Gary for over 35 years. Gary was one of the most easy-going and caring persons that you could ever meet. We went on many wonderful vacations and cruises with Gary and Maureen. Gary’s friendliness, sense of humor, and multiple interests made every minute worthwhile. If Gary was missing or couldn’t be located during a trip, you knew that a secret cigarette hunt was underway and Gary would soon return with a smile on his face. We sure will miss you Gary. Eileen and Jack O’Brien
I’ve lost a good friend who also happened to be my brother-in-law. Gary and I both possessed a similar sense of humor that perhaps many would not view as a strong point . He was the definition of laid back and calm unless we were running low on ice or the cigarette smoke was too incriminating. Since I had to perfect the comb over while I was still in the womb, there was a great deal of envy for Gary’s thick hair .Also he was deceptively strong up to his last breath. Although Gary will be missed, I feel very fortunate to have known him and will try to be there for his wife, my sister Maureen , whose loyalty knows no bounds !
Gary always welcomed us with a big smile. Christmas at Maureen and Gary’s was a tradition we all looked forward to. Everyone felt welcome, happy and in the spirit. My times with Gary were always calm, friendly and fun. He would go with the flow and had the depth for both seriousness and light hearted fun. I especially enjoyed our football and workout conversations. Gary was inviting. He often gave my boys gifts directly from his house if they saw a hat they liked or book that looked interesting. Gary listened and cared. Great guy. He is missed by all of us.
Gary was my very good friend and his passing is a huge loss to so many of us. We first met in late 1975 when he was my first boss in my initial professional assignment after serving my Army time. He was a leader, a mentor, a professional, and a super coach in all regards as he guided me through intern years and over the years of my career. He was always just there for me and was a friend throughout these 45 years. So many memories- climbed Mt Rainier together, ran a marathon, fishing and beach trips with he and Maureen, he and Maureen housed my entire family when we arrived in Virginia for a temporary assignment in the mid-80’s, and on and on. Jan and I had many good times with Gary and Maureen and admired their relationship, always reflecting on what good buddies they were. We have all lost a good man who made a difference in so many lives and I’m fortunate to have been one of them. The world has lost one of its brightest lights but his spirit will live on through the compassion and kindness of all who knew him.
I will always cherish the memories I have sitting around my parents living room on Christmas Day with Uncle Gary or spending time at the beach together is Sea Isle. Uncle Gary’s dry sense of humor and quick wit was the perfect complement to the comedy show that often unfolded when Uncle Mike and my Dad were in the same room. As I get older and now have children and nieces and nephews of my own, I can’t help but think how lucky I am to have role models like my Uncle Gary & Aunt Maureen who taught me how to do things the right way. You will be missed Uncle Gary and I am better person for knowing you. Love, Pat
We feel so fortunate that we were able to enjoy so many fun times with Uncle Gary over the years, from the family gatherings over holidays and milestone celebrations to big games at Nationals Park, to the many charity fundraiser walks in DC. Gary was always so kind, accommodating and ready at any occasion with a quick wit, a subtle jab and a broad smile. We have many fond memories of time with Gary at Thanksgiving dinners at our house, the festive parties that he and Maureen put on often marking for us the official beginning of the Christmas season and the many, many occasions big and small, that we were together as a family. Gary always complimented the chef (especially loved the cranberry relish that Sally’s Mom prepared) and the hostess, commiserated with Sally and the other “outlaws” around the O’Brien family gatherings and rolled his eyes at the goodbyes that would often last for hours. He truly was a wonderful part of our lives, providing faithful and steady support throughout the years and we will all miss him greatly. Our prayers are with him and his beloved Maureen and family.
Love,
Jay, Sally, Katie, Kerri, and Meggie O’Brien
Gary established a quick friendship with everyone he met. Friends were drawn by his love of fine foods, adult beverages, occasional cigarettes, building and fixing things, and time at the beach. Besides people, cats and dogs loved him and always enjoyed his company. My Puggle, Priscilla, who is not overly friendly to strangers, could not wait for Gary to come back from the beach and spent hours with him on the deck watching and discussing world events. All my cats, as well as his own, could not get enough of him and loved to sign his wrists and hands with their nails. Gary, you were a “good one”. Enjoy your well-earned reward with Frank in the great fishing spots above. Joe O’Brien
Gary McKinney came into my life in the early 1980’s when he and my sister Maureen had started dating. I was impressed by his stature, gentle disposition, intelligence and analytical mind. I could see from the beginning his love and devotion to Maureen, and hers for him. Gary was well thought out and other than his questionable choices about professional sports teams, I can’t ever recall disagreeing with him. Maureen and Gary spent many Christmas and Easter holidays with Sally, the kids and I, and were always extremely generous to my children. I enjoyed many vacations down the shore with Gary as well as many cocktails and ciggies. Gary was a wonderful man. I felt fortunate to call him my friend and proud to call him my family. Rest in peace Big Boy. -Fran O’Brien
Uncle Gary was a great person and someone that I have always admired. While Uncle Gary may have not been the loudest in the room, he was always able to steal the spotlight with his perfectly timed dry sense of humor. Christmas and summer vacations down the shore will not be the same. We will all miss Gary very much!! Love, John O’Brien
Gary you will be dearly missed, from our vacations in Sea Isle to our Christmas dinners. Also our sibling dinners, where we would listen to the O’Brien stories. Gary would say very quietly haven’t we heard this before! Gary was so good to my children. when he would come for Christmas he was always very Interested in what they were up to. And what was goin go with them. He also would never forget The Tom and. Jerry’s which he knew I loved! Rest easy Gary, keep watch Over us, love you
My brother-in-law Gary was always happy every time I came to visit my sister Maureen and him, and he always looked sad when I was leaving. Guess that was because we always spent happy times together. Gary was a great cook and we enjoyed many dinners on his deck telling funny stories and catching up on what was going on with the family. Gary loved my family and was very interested in how everyone was doing. He was a superb listener, and would pay close attention even though I went on and on about the same topics. We spent many holidays and birthdays together and enjoyed some great trips to Washington State, Oregon, and a cruise to Alaska. I loved going out on Gary’s boat and sailing down the Chesapeake even though Gary who was always an early riser woke us up at 3AM those mornings! I got the privilege of spending a lot of time with Gary the last 16 months after he had a very serious fall. . I would go to the nursing home with Maureen most days and rarely just by myself when Maureen took a very rare day off to do errands. These days were precious to me and I wouldn’t trade them for anything. I learned even more about Gary: how extremely kind he was, how gentle, and how funny! I also learned a lot about what a good marriage really demands, as well about my amazing sister Maureen. I am in awe of her tireless energy and advocacy for her husband, her cheering him on at at every step. I even witnessed when the home was on lockdown her bringIng a ladder from home and climbing it to get a better view of her sweetheart on the fourth floor. Gary was my pal, and I want to thank him for everything. Although I grew up with four terrific brothers, Gary, I ended up with five. May Our Blessed Mother and the Holy Angels accompany you now to Heaven and May Jesus take you to Himself. Cindy O’Brien
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We send our sincere sympathy to Maureen and all of Gary’s family. We were fortunate to know Gary as a friend and neighbor. We pray for Gary and send wishes of peace to all who loved him.
Dear Maureen – I am your neighbor, Liz Skarlatos. I live at the front of the neighborhood on Fox View Way. I am so very sorry for your loss of your beloved husband, Gary. Your family is in my prayers. Liz
We are deeply saddened by the news of Gary’s passing. He was a personal friend of our family and we bought his Gulf Stream boat when he left us to go back east. We remember fondly our visit to Gary and Maureen in their home when we were in Wa. D.C. a few years ago. I know that Bob will want to add to our condolences to his loving wife Maureen and his son Jim. Shirley Larson