Ronnie Richard McKinney

Ronnie “Day Day” Richard McKinney, 79, of Nebo, passed away Thursday, October 15, 2026 at Mission Hospital in Asheville.

He was born in McDowell County on September 16, 1947 to the late Steve McKinney and Hazel Mitchell McKinney.

Affectionately known as “Day Day,” he was an avid woodworker all his life. He made a career out of it, and he enjoyed doing it at home in his shop where he spent much time. Day Day will be remembered for his sense of humor. He loved a good joke and giving nicknames to those close to him. He loved his family greatly, especially all of his grandchildren.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by nine brothers and sisters, Joe McKinney, Cecil McKinney, Ben McKinney, Lily Cline, Doris Jones, Lois Clark, James McKinney, Roger McKinney, and Bud McKinney; and three great-grandchildren, Amelia, Henry, and Baby Courtney.

He is survived by his devoted wife of 60 years, Diane Edwards McKinney; three children, Malissa Russell, Melinda Courtney (Bobby), and Steven McKinney (Alice); six grandchildren, Zack, Lollie, Josh, Ricky, Mikey, and Johnathon; six great-grandchildren, Layden, Jaythan, Ella, Kenzie, Layla, and Isaac; one great-great-grandchild, River; one brother, Jim McKinney; and numerous nieces and nephews.

The family will receive friends on Monday, October 19, 2026 from 1:00 until 2:00 p.m. at Beam Funeral Service. A funeral service will follow at 2:00 p.m. and will be officiated by Pastors TJ Smith, Jacob Crowder, and Kevin Jones. Burial will be at Emmanuel Free Will Baptist Church Cemetery in Nebo.