Roy McKinney

Roy Douglas "Doug" McKinney, from Kalamazoo, Michigan, died on March 3, 2021, in Alexandria, Virginia, surrounded by his family after a courageous fight against cancer. Doug was born in Marion, North Carolina, to Clarence and Gladys Maye McKinney. He was the youngest of five children. The family moved to Gretna, Virginia, where he completed high school and attended University of Virginia and Lynchburg College. Doug excelled in sports at a collegiate level. These athletics and the lessons learned through them continued his entire life. After graduation, he joined the Army Reserves, serving for 30 years and retiring as a Colonel. He was very proud of his service to his country. Soon after graduation, he met his loving wife, Virginia DeBoer. They quickly had three children--Roy Douglas McKinney, Jr. "Doug", Brandon "Brandi" McKinney Laperriere and Kristin "Kristi" McKinney Robbins. The family moved to Mattawan, Michigan, where Doug taught for 35 years at Mattawan Middle School and enjoyed coaching a variety of sports including basketball, baseball and football. He spoke particularly fondly of being the head coach of Mattawan High School football, coaching his son, and affecting the lives of many other young athletes. After retirement, he enjoyed his love of golf and developed deep friendships in every community in which he lived. At the end of his life, he enjoyed his time with his family and grandchildren, whom he loved dearly. He maintained his sense of humor and deep love of life until his last breath. He is survived by his dear friend, ex-wife, and mother of his children Virginia McKinney; his children Doug McKinney (Som), Brandi Laperriere (Andy), Kristin Robbins (Todd); seven grandchildren: Savannah McKinney Robbins, Fletcher Robbins, Samuel Laperriere, Virginia Grace Laperriere, Micah Laperriere, Colette Laperriere, and Eloise Laperriere; and his siblings Anna Laura Burcham, Donald McKinney, and Dick McKinney. He is proceeded in death by Clarence and Gladys Maye McKinney, Ronald McKinney, and Gerald and Virginia DeBoer. Private family services will be held. Arrangements entrusted to Langeland Family Funeral Homes Burial & Cremation Services, 3926 S. 9th St. Kalamazoo, MI 49009. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to area 16 Special Olympics, Kalamazoo County: area16@somi.org. Please visit Doug's personalized webpage at https://www.langelands.com