Dateline;   Bakersville, NC

Benton McKinney, age 92 of Hwy 261, Bakersville, NC passed away August 19, 2012 at his home. He was a Native of Mitchell County, NC and the son of the late William Martin and Bessie Byrd McKinney.

He was a Veteran of The United States Army Air Forces and served his Country during World War II. During his service to his Country he received The Air Medal GO 6 ^th Headquarters, 3 Oak Leaf Clusters, Distinguished Unit Badge GO 50,  and the Distinguished Flying Cross GO 103. He was retired as  the Director of W.A.M.Y. Community Action.

He was a Member of Bakersville Baptist Church and Bakersville Masonic Lodge #357 AF&AM.

Survivors include his wife Marie Hobson McKinney of the home, three sons, Dan Peterson and wife Tam, of Marion, NC, Ben McKinney and wife Marcia, and Patrick "Pat" McKinney, all of Bakersville, NC, two sisters, Willie Ray, of Erwin, TN and Mildred Rivers, of Johnson City, TN, four grandchildren, Matthew Peterson, Mark Peterson, Ryan Peterson and wife Jannell, and Ava Marie McKinney, three great grandchildren, Alex Peterson, Ansley Peterson, and Alexis Peterson, also a special friend Charles Hobson.

He was preceded in death by an infant sister Helen McKinney and a sister Louise Garland.

The family will receive friends Tuesday, August 21, 2012 from 6:00 until 8:00PM in Henline – Hughes Funeral Home. Funeral services will be held Wednesday, August 22, 2012 at 2:00PM in Bakersville Baptist Church with Billy Stewart, Larry Greene and Dr Keith Kuhne officiating. His body will lie in state one hour prior to the funeral at the church. Interment will follow at Bakersville Memorial Cemetery with Bakersville Masonic Lodge #357 AF&AM conducting Masonic Graveside Rites and The North Carolina Honor Guard providing Graveside Military Honors.

Henline Hughes Funeral Home is assisting the McKinney Family.