Tuesday, June 29, 2021
McKinley Johnson III was born and grew up in Richmond Heights, the oldest of eight children. Where he lived was in an unincorporated area called Hanley Township, a black community in the vicinity of The Heights, the activities center for Richmond Heights. He attended segregated schools through 7th grade. When he got to 8th, the county integrated its schools. So he never got to go to Douglass High School in Webster Groves, the black high school for the county. He was disappointed. He wanted to be in the marching band. Instead, he graduated from Maplewood-Richmond Heights High School. He went to Truman State University in Kirksville, but dropped out just short of graduation. Soon he ended up in the Air Force. It was during the Vietnam War. He served as an Air Passenger Specialist. Later jobs included a research then computer technician job at Monsanto, and then as a deputy file clerk for the State of Missouri at court house in Clayton. He attended Grace and Peace for many years. He and his former wife Colleen had two sons, Tyler and Jeremiah. They lived in Skinker-DeBaliviere, then University City, and moved to Webster Groves in 2006. The marriage ended in 2010. McKinley loved to tell stories. Among those was why he came to Grace and Peace Fellowship church in the early seventies. He was thrilled to find a church that didn’t care what people wore. Hippie-style sandals made of old tires were prevalent, along with tie-dyed shirts. He’d been used to a church experience where dressing up was required, but apparently he hated that. He felt right at home at Grace and Peace. During his decades at Grace and Peace, he delighted to share his baritone voice, often providing gospel-style lead singing. In later years he became a deacon, glad to take up the work of tending to the needs of those who ask for help with rent or utility bills. He was so fond of watching eagles in the vicinity of Alton, Illinois, and enjoyed spending time with his sons and siblings. He was a film buff with an extensive collection and loved classic sports cars. He had a passion for automobile racing, specifically Formula 1 racing. He also loved to read fantasy/science fiction. He passed away April 27 at the age of 78, suffering from cancer. Surviving him are his sons, Tyler and Jeremiah, his brothers Don Johnson, Herman Johnson, Raleigh “Smitty” Johnson, Terry Johnson and sisters Gail “GiGi” Johnson and Patricia “Pat” Brice as well as many nieces, nephews and friends. His brother Jerry Johnson is deceased. A memorial service is scheduled for July 10, 11 a.m., Grace and Peace Fellowship, 5574 Delmar, 63112.
