Henry Lee McKinney Jr., 73, went to be with his Lord and Savior on June 5, 2026. Per his instructions, his family insists you know that he went out in a legendary surfing accident, and not from his brief battle with pancreatic cancer.

Born on May 23, 1953, in Jacksonville, Florida, Henry was a man who loved his family fiercely, never met a stranger, and lived a life dedicated to service. A graduate of Terry Parker High School, he initially began college in Jacksonville. Following a life changing accident, Henry felt a call to ministry, one which he answered with faith, humor, and heart as a Southern Baptist Pastor for more than 50 years.

While on a mission trip in Jerusalem, Israel, Henry met his future wife of 23 years, Karren Claiborne, who was traveling with Dr. Jerry Falwell. He soon transferred to Liberty Baptist College (now Liberty University) and married Karren in 1977. He went on to earn a Master of Divinity from Mid-America Baptist Theological Seminary.

Throughout his career in ministry, Henry served as Youth Pastor at the First Baptist Church of Dallas, TX and later at First Baptist Church of Jacksonville, FL. He then served as Senior Pastor at Madison Street Baptist Church in Starke, FL and Oak Park Baptist Church in Gainesville, FL.

Following Karren's passing from colon cancer in 2000, Henry dedicated himself to raising their three young sons. In his later years of ministry, he continued his pastoral leadership at Fresh Start Fellowship in Keystone Heights, FL and the First Baptist Church of Hawthorne, FL.

In 2024, Henry married Kathy Minton, his dear friend and neighbor from childhood, who brought immense joy and companionship to his final years, along with her children Becky, Scott and Melissa and grandson Peyton.

Henry was preceded in death by his first wife, Karren Claiborne McKinney; his sister, Teresa Ricks, and brother-in-law, Gene Ricks; and his parents Henry Sr. and LaVerna McKinney.

He is survived by his wife, Kathy Minton McKinney; his three sons, Joshua, Adam, and Jarred McKinney; his siblings, Patsy (Tony) Davis, Bobbie Jean (Curtis) Curry, and Walter (Sue Ellen) McKinney; as well as a large, beloved extended family of cousins, nieces and nephews.

A celebration of Henry's life and ministry will be held on Tuesday, June 9, 2026, at Crosspointe Church, 1871 County Rd 220, Fleming Island, FL 32003. The family will welcome visitation beginning at 10:00 a.m., with the Celebration of Life service to follow at 11:00 a.m. A graveside memorial service will be held at a later date in Gainesville, FL.