Frank E. McKinley

THE LEGACY AND LIFE OF MR. FRANK MCKINLEY

May the work I've done speak for me!
When I'm resting in my grave,
There is nothing that can be said.
May the work I've done speak for me!
May the life I live speak for me!
When the best I try to live,
My mistakes He will forgive.
May the life I live speak for me!
May the service I give speak for me!

Mr. Frank Eugene McKinley was born on October 14, 1941, to the late Ida Mae McKinley in Center, a town in Jackson County, Georgia. From a young age, Frank enjoyed playing football and was always eager to help others, especially his mother. After a brief period in Jackson County, Ida Mae decided to move her family to Athens, in Clarke County, Georgia.

In Athens, Frank continued his education in the Clarke County School District, beginning his journey at West Broad Street Elementary School. He later graduated from Athens High & Industrial School, where he was one of the best running centers the Yellow Jackets ever had. The most exceptional thing about this young man of small stature with a big heart is that he was also a "Road Runner" running back.

"I am going to work until my day is done," and Frank truly embodied this sentiment. During his early teenage years, he worked at the Davis House Cafeteria on Milledge Avenue. However, his dedication didn't stop there. When Athens Academy, a new school at the corner of Hawthorne and Prince Avenues, was established, Mr. Bob Chambers and his staff recognized Frank's humble spirit and offered him a chance to begin his career. After an impressive 40 years of service at Athens Academy, Frank retired in 2009. The Academy held a special place in his heart, and the students, faculty, and staff recognized him as a truly one of a kind individual. Never content with a single job, Frank consistently worked two, and if you didn’t watch out, he would sometimes add a third! Working all concurrently: the Davis House, Athens Academy, and for an incredible fifty years, Lee Epting’s Catering and Events. He made sure his family wanted for anything.

Early in life, Frank understood that he couldn't walk his path alone. He became a member of Hill Chapel Baptist Church under the leadership of the late Pastor Mitchel Tate, where he served faithfully until his passing. He dedicated himself tirelessly to the Deacon's Ministry and held a special passion for his “baby” the Kitchen Ministry. He poured his heart into serving his church and cherished his Hill Chapel family, who in turn deeply loved him.
The Bible tells us, "He who finds a wife finds a good thing," and for Frank, that good thing was Bennie Mae Robinson, to whom he pledged his love and commitment until the end of his days. Their union was blessed with two children: Kimberly Eugenia Kissiah (Michael) and Avery Brent McKinley. They further welcomed two grandchildren, Jordan Brent Clair (Dallas) and Parker Aiden Kissiah, and two great-grandchildren, Bronx Taylor Clair and Aspen Brent Clair. These were the joys of his heart, his pride, and his greatest loves.
Frank’s memory will be treasured forever by his loving wife Bennie; his children, Kim and Avery; his grandchildren, Jordan and Parker; his great-grandchildren, Bronx and Aspen; his sister, Rose McKinley; his cherished nieces, Pamela (McKinley) Robertson and Sharon McKinley; and a host of other nieces and nephews who thought their Uncle Frank was the BOMB! Frank will also be deeply missed by his extended family at Athens Academy and Lee Epting's Catering & Events, as well as his special friend, Mr. Roderick Platt.

Well done, thy good and faithful servant. Enter into the joy of your Master.

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