Jerry Wayne McKinney

Jerry Wayne McKinney, 80, of Claremore, passed away on May 11, 2025, in Claremore. He was born November 12, 1944, to Ralph and Louise (Bledsoe) McKinney. Jerry worked most of his life as a heavy equipment mechanic and was known for his strong work ethic and dedication to his craft. A proud member of Graceway Baptist Church in Tulsa, Jerry’s faith was the foundation of his life. First and foremost, he was a man of God and a shining example of a Christian man—steadfast, kind, and humble. Jerry dearly loved his family and found great joy in spending time with his children and grandchildren. He also had a deep appreciation for the outdoors, enjoying every opportunity to hunt, fish, and simply be in nature. One of his favorite pastimes was feeding the deer around his property, and he even raised a pet deer, affectionately named “Sally.” His life was a testament to faith, love, and the simple joys of family and nature. He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.

Jerry is survived by his daughters, Gina Smith and husband Kenny of Pryor, Oklahoma, Rebecca Wilsie of Pryor, Oklahoma and Stacy McKinney of Pryor, Oklahoma; grandson who he raised as a son, Jeremiah Jones and wife Jessica of Tulsa, Oklahoma; brothers, Butch McKinney of Broken Arrow, Oklahoma; sister, Shirley Brannon of Sallisaw, Oklahoma; grandchildren, Justin Buck and wife Lina, Chris Buck and wife Erica, Sara Abbott and husband Ryne, Tyler Smith and wife Kelsey, Makayla Smith, Tynan McKinney and wife Summer, Tanay McKinney and husband London, Kourtney Jones and Noah Jones; 11 great grandchildren; and many other relatives and friends. He is preceded in death by his parents, Ralph and Louise McKinney, wife, Peggy McKinney, daughter, Tonya McKinney, and stepdaughter, Donna Jones.

Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m., Thursday, May 15, 2025, at Graceway Baptist Church in Tulsa with Pastor Bill Bender officiating. Burial will be held in the Graham Memorial Cemetery with Jeremiah Jones, Kenny Smith, Tyler Smith, Justin Buck, Chris Buck, and Tynan Mckinney serving as casket bearers. Visitation will be held from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m., Wednesday, May 14, 2025, at Shipman’s Funeral Home. To leave his family a message, please visit his Tribute Wall at www.shipmansfuneralhome.com. Arrangements are under the direction of Shipman’s Funeral & Cremation Service.