Raymond McKinney
Raymond McKinney, (Poppy) 81, of Clear Lake, Texas, passed away peacefully on October 27, 2019. He was born January 18, 1938 to his loving parents Ray and Allyne McKinney in Dallas, Texas. He graduated from Hillcrest High School in 1956. Poppy married his beautiful wife, Sandy, in August of 1957. Together they raised four amazing children. Ray and Sandy moved to Clear Lake, TX in 1967 where they built their forever lives together. Ray’s career in the printing business kept him busy until he retired in 2003. Upon retirement, Poppy took up hunting, fishing and gardening. He was a member of the Kellogg Fishing Club of Houston where he caught many bass and was known to tell a “fish story” or two to those who would listen. Poppy, along with his Dad, sons and grandsons loved to spend time at the Blue Mountain Ranch where they could fish, hunt and tell stories around the campfire. Poppy and Sandy loved gardening together and their beautiful yard became a retreat for them to relax and admire in the evenings. Poppy and Sandy were also avid Astros fans.
Ray is survived by his devoted wife of 62 years, Sandy. Their children include: Ray McKinney and wife, Deborah, Aaron McKinney (deceased) and wife, Christine, Abbie Higgins and husband, Tom, and Andy McKinney and wife, Julie. Poppy was a role model and devoted grandfather and great-grandfather to his 6 grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren: Joshua McKinney and daughter Allyne, Samantha and Brad Phillips with children, Mason, Paetyn & Liana, David and Libby Higgins with son, Owen, Deborah McKinney, Laura Higgins, and Allen McKinney and fiance’, Cierra. Ray was a treasured older brother to sister, Pam Boyde, as well as brother, Gene McKinney and wife, Shirley. Ray was preceded in death by parents, Ray and Allyne McKinney and son, Aaron. Poppy loved God and was dedicated to his family showing love and support to each one. We will forever be grateful to have had him in our lives.
Visitation will be held Thursday, 10/31 at Crowder Funeral Home, 1645 East Main St. League City, TX 77573 from 6:30 – 8:30pm. Memorial Service will be held Friday, 11/1 at 2pm at the same location with Graveside Service to follow at Houston Memorial Gardens located at 2426 Cullen Parkway, Pearland, TX 77233.
We were Ray and Sandy’s across the street neighbors for 49 years. They were such a kind and loving couple with such great kids. When Sandy took their black lab, “Little Man” for his morning walk, he looked for me so I could give him his expected treat. On your first encounter with meeting Ray you might consider him rather a quite fellow. That initial impression dissolved quickly as his outgoing personality became evident. Ray was a humble “Man’s Man” who will surely be missed by us.