Joe Linnard McKenry

McKenry, Joe Linnard – age 90, left a great life on Wednesday, May 4, 2011. Joe attended Knoxville High School and was known as Knoxville’s “chicken man”. A veteran of World War II, Joe served in the US Coast Guard from 1943-1946. Upon returning from the war he and his brother Ray purchased the family poultry business from their dad. In 1963 Joe bought his brother’s interest and served as chairman of McKenry Produce Company until selling the business to Homestead in 2004. In the 1950’s, Joe was a fixture in the Knoxville Christmas parades riding his prize show horse. The 32 degree Mason has been a member of the Charles McKinney Lodge since 1954. That year also began a 50 year service on various boards at the East Tennessee Baptist Hospital, including a year as president of the Board of Directors in 1972. Other community service included membership in the south Knoxville Lions Club and Optimist Clubs and served on the Tennessee Valley Fair Board for over 40 years. Joe also served on the board of directors of the National Poultry and Food Distributors Association and advisory board of United American Bank. He was an honorary member of Phi Sigma Kappa at Tennessee Wesleyan College where son Jody graduated. The south Knoxville Lions Club and Optimist Clubs. Thru the years he was a member of Sevier Heights Baptist, South Knoxville Baptist, First Baptist Concord and finally First Baptist Knoxville Church. An avid sportsman Joe love golf and tennis. At different times his family enjoyed Holston Hills, Fox Den, Cherokee Country Clubs and the Knoxville Racquet Club. Besides loving his family and many friends, Joe often stated the highlight of his life was spending the day with Rev. Billy Graham at his home in Montreat, North Carolina. He was preceded in death by his oldest son, Jody, in 2008. Joe is survived by his loving wife of 70 years, Dorothy White McKenry - who he described as “the prettiest woman on earth” just last week; daughter-in-law, Betsy McKenry, both of Knoxville; son, Chris, of Los Angeles; and brother, Robert McKenry of Blount County. He also leaves beloved nieces, nephews and cousins and Sonny Kyle who was part of the family. The family would like to thank the compassionate staff of Ben Atchley State Veterans Home for their outstanding care. A Celebration of Joe’s life will be 7:00 PM Friday at Rose Mortuary Mann Heritage Chapel with Dick Anderson, Judge Cliff Shirley, and Dick Williams officiating. The family and friends will meet Saturday at Woodlawn Cemetery for a 11:00 A.M. interment serviced with Dr. William D. Shiell officiating. Military Honors presented by the Tennessee National Guard. Pallbearers: Dick Anderson, Steve Apking, Robert Brown, Bobby Davis, Don Holifield, Graham Hunter, A. C. Massengil, Roy Ogle, Ken Rymer, Gus Regas, Robert Rochet, Cliff Shirley, Earl Skogman, Gordon Thomas, Dr. Lucian Trent, and Dick Williams. In lieu of flowers please send donations to the Alzheimer’s Association East Tennessee Chapter, 2200 Southerland Avenue, Suite H102, Knoxville, Tennessee 37919. The family will receive friends 5-7:00 P.M. Friday at Rose Mortuary Mann Heritage Chapel. Online condolences may be made at www.rosemortuary.com

Tributes

Joe Linnard McKenry

May 4, 2011