Samuel "Sammy" McKinney

Samuel McKinney affectionately known as “Sam” “Sammy” or, to his family as “River Rat” was born in Tupelo, Mississippi, on March 13, 1949 to the late, great Carl and Annie Mae McKinney.  He departed this life into eternal rest on May 18, 2022, surrounded by his family members.

The majority of Sam’s adult life was spent in South Bend, Indiana.  Although he was a resident of Lakeland,  Florida for quite some time, South Bend was always his home.  

He loved cooking and took such pride in anything he took off of a grill.  Be it a duck, squirrel, ribs or chicken.  He could also clean and shine a car and make it look like glass.  He had so many talents, and he certainly loved his family. 

Sam was employed at AM General for ten years, and retired from working after becoming disabled.  But “work” was ingrained in him by his hard-working parents.  So…Frankie’s BBQ became his new job as Head Cook for over 25 years.  

He leaves to cherish his wonderful memories, one daughter, Jeanette McKinney, granddaughter, Beanita Brantley, four great-grandchildren, Braylin, Avari, Sabrina and Brielle.  All of South Bend, Indiana.  His loving sister, Shellie Parker and brother Elzie (Lewis) McKinney who loved him dearly and always had his back.  So much that they all lived in the same building.  He also leaves a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, family, acquaintances and friends.  

Sam was preceded in death by his parents Carl and Annie McKinney, sisters, Odessa, Esther, Sarah (Lois), Glendora, Gladys, and Dessie.  Brothers, James, Carl Jr, Milford Sr, Stacey, Henry, LeRoy, and Michael

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Samuel "Sammy" McKinney, please visit our floral store.