Pat L. McKinley

Pat LaDon McKinley, lovingly known as Don to his family and friends, passed away peacefully on May 29, 2026, in Jackson, Mississippi. Born on August 19, 1952, in Mississippi, Don was raised in the small town of Mize before making Florence his home for more than 40 years. He embraced life with passion and purpose, pouring his heart into his work, his family, and the things he cherished most.

Don devoted his working years to a career as a professional truck driver with Old Dominion Freight, a job he took great pride in. Throughout his career, he received numerous awards and recognition for his dedication and hard work. He was a man who loved the outdoors and found joy in life’s simple pleasures. He enjoyed hunting, riding horses, going on trail rides, and taking vacations that kept him close to his family. Inspired by the Westerns he loved watching on television, Don developed a deep appreciation for the American West and treasured traveling with his family while exploring its breathtaking landscapes and the beauty of God’s creation. Don was a faithful member of Mt. Zion Baptist Church for more than 20 years. During those years, he found strength in his faith and treasured the fellowship of his church family.

A man of deep commitment and devotion, Don married the love of his life, Christen Britt McKinley, in 1971. Together they shared 55 years of marriage built on love, faith, and unwavering support for one another. Their partnership was a foundation of strength that touched all who knew them. Together they raised a family that became the heart of Don’s world. His children—Donna McKinley, Julie McAlpin (Hunter), and Michael McKinley (Brittany)—will carry forward his legacy of kindness, strength, and hard work. He was also a proud grandfather to Austin McAlpin, Fallon McAlpin, Kashton McAlpin, Brody McKinley, Camden McKinley, and Adalyn McKinley, who were sources of immense joy and pride in his later years.

Don was preceded in death by his parents, Rev. Pat and Dorothy McKinley, whose memories he held dear throughout his life, and by his brother, Randy McKinley.

Those wishing to honor Don’s memory are invited to attend visitation on May 31, 2026, from 2:00 PM until 4:00 PM at Chancellor Funeral Home in Florence, located at 2576 US-49, Florence, Mississippi 39073. Visitation will also be held on Monday, June 1, 2026, beginning at 12:00 PM at Mt. Zion Baptist Church in Florence, with the service to follow immediately afterwards at 1:00. Burial will take place at Clear Branch Church Cemetery in Florence, Mississippi. This gathering will be an opportunity for family and friends to celebrate the life of a man whose steadfast spirit and gentle heart enriched all who had the privilege of knowing him.

Pat LaDon McKinley’s legacy is one of love, hard work, faith, and a deep appreciation for life’s simple pleasures. His memory will forever remain in the hearts of those who loved him and throughout the Mississippi communities where he built a life, raised a family, and made lasting memories.