Obituary of Nathanial McKinley

Nathanial McKinley, age 81, died Wednesday, March 28, 2012 at Bethel Care Center. A Funeral Service will be held at 12 Noon on Wednesday, April 4 at the Spielman Mortuary. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service (11 AM-12 Noon.) Private interment. Nathanial McKinley was born in Ackerman, Mississippi on December 29, 1930 to Luther and Elma McKinley; he was one of ten children born of this union. They did not have a lot, but they had one another. In the early years of their lives, they were a close-knit family, were inseparable, and had big fun together. As they grew up, they moved away from each other and started families of their own, but the love never died. Nathanial left Ackerman, became a migrant worker but was highly skilled as a farm hand, mechanic, a talented landscaper, and was gifted as a home-brew specialist. Many sought him out as his reputation grew. His job as a migrant worker took him around the country: Virginia, Louisiana, Arizona, and all in between. Nathanial was a musician; he taught himself how to play the guitar by ear; all he had to do was hear it once and he would nail it. When he wasn't working, he was busy entertaining and making friends playing the guitar and singing. He was not shy at all and could really sing and play the Blues. He said he has played and sang with B.B. King, Mable Staples, Muddy Waters, and countless others. His work brought him to Holy Springs where he met Roberta Reynolds. They married on June 11, 1955. They had four children: Martha, Preston, Mae Helen, and Judy. Nathanial moved his family to Memphis and eventually settled in Martin, Tennessee. He landed a job at the University of Martin as a landscaper. Nathaniel and Roberta later divoerced and he had a fiftth child, Lee Dora McKinley with Alice Mae Cavitt. Nathanial was content with his life in Tennessee until his health srarted to fail. The family moved him to Minnesota in 2005 where he remained unti his death. He fought a courageous battle with COPD. He leaves behind to cherish his memories, his children: Martha (Arthur), Preston, Judy (Keith), Lee Dora, Janice Epperson; grandshilcren: LaShunda Crutchfield, LaWanda Crutchfield, Stephen Crutchfield, Jr., Tina Cope (Leonard), Heather McKinley, Leo McKinley, and Shaun McKinley.