Obituary

Cloyd Braxton “Brac” McKinney, 79, of Hale Center, Texas, went to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Christmas morning, December 25, 2020. He was born to Cloyd and Marie (Cornett) McKinney in Knox City, Texas, on August 27, 1941. Brac attended school in Hale Center and was raised attending Happy Union Baptist Church, where he met the love of his life, Wanda Phillips. They were married on June 15, 1962, at Happy Union Baptist Church and enjoyed 58 years together.

Brac was a farmer for many years, and he also proudly worked for Owens Sausage as a route driver and regional route manager for 23 years. He was a hard-working father, and he instilled that same work ethic in his three children. “Poppa,” as he was fondly known by his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, was the ultimate grandfather: he was the best snuggler by the campfire, where they would enjoy “fire water” (hot chocolate) and listen to Poppa and Maw’s stories; he would play with them, whether it meant tubing all day or playing cards outside of the camper. Brac was a family man; his family was everything to him. Brac was a member of First Baptist Church of Hale Center where he was a deacon. Going to church and visiting with his friends and family was one of his great joys-- he never met a stranger! Brac also loved to watch Nascar, rodeo, and old westerns.

Brac was preceded in death by his devoted wife Wanda, whom he lost in October. He is survived by his daughter, Ranae Isch and husband Scott of Amarillo,Texas; son, David McKinney and wife Gretchen of Lubbock, Texas; son, Carey McKinney and wife Shannan of Pampa,Texas; as well as granddaughter Kayla Henry and husband Blake, grandson Bobby Girndt, grandson Craig Girndt and wife Ashleigh, grandson Colton McKinney and wife Payton, granddaughters Sydney Isch, Rachel McKinney, Claire McKinney and great-grandsons Carsen Girndt, Cooper Girndt, and Tytan Henry. He is also survived by his four siblings: Eddie McKinney of Hale Center, Donnie McKinney of Plainview, Jeannie Forrest of Lubbock, and Kathy Sherrod of Lubbock, and numerous in-laws, nieces and nephews.

Graveside services will be Thursday, December 31, 2020, at 10:00 AM at Hale Center Cemetery, with Dr. Kris Knippa officiating and under the direction of Ramage Funeral Directors. Visitation will be from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM on Wednesday, December 30, 2020, at Ramage Funeral Directors in Hale Center.