Obituary of Zollie Nelson McKinney

July 26, 1938 – February 25, 2019

Zollie Nelson McKinney.  Age 80 of Brownstown Township.

Beloved husband of Gay McKinney.  Loving father of Sandra (Scott) Siegel, Rebecca (Terry) Allore and Brandie (Andy) Yee.  Dearest grandfather of Seth Siegel, Caitlin Siegel, Brittany Siegel, Samantha (Adam) Dryer, Zoie Yee, Hannah Yee, Liam Yee and Finn Yee.  Dear brother of Lula D. Abston.  Preceded in death by parents Thurman and Gates McKinney, brother Houston McKinney and brother-in-law James Abston.
 

FAMILY TRIBUTE

Zollie McKinney was born in 1938 in Montgomery, Alabama. He grew up in Vina, Alabama with his siblings Lula and Houston. He enjoyed playing football, tennis, and working with his hands and building bicycles. After he graduated from Vina High School, he decided to head North to find employment in the auto industry. He was so determined to find work at the age of 20 that he altered his birth certificate on a typewriter at Sears to make himself 21. He worked for Cadillac Motor Car for 35 years as a mechanic and also had various other jobs within the company. During that time, he also worked part time as a delivery man for Logan Brothers Furniture.

He is remembered by many for being such a hard worker, hardly ever taking a day off so that he could support his family. His commitment was so great that he won perfect attendance awards at work year after year. He married his wife, Gay, in 1964 and settled down in Lincoln Park, Michigan. His three daughters, Sandra, Rebecca, and Brandie, describe him as being gentle, loving, and protective—an all around wonderful man and father. After he retired, he was the groundskeeper at Taylor Meadows Golf Course and also helped cut the grass at Charity Baptist Church. He loved the outdoors and taking care of his yard and things around his home.

He has eight grandchildren that range in age from 32 years to 15 months. He built many wonderful memories with them by camping, babysitting, and being there just about any time they needed help with something. Zollie was a lover of sports and would watch nearly any sporting event on TV (except golf!). He was a huge Michigan and Alabama fan, and loved and knew everything about college football. He was also a Mason for over forty years, which helped him become the outstanding father, husband, friend, and man that he was.

He had an impact on countless lives and will be missed by so many. 

Memorial contributions to American Liver Foundation are appreciated.