Athens - Evans Funeral Home, Jefferson, Georgia, announces the death of Mr. Aaron Smith McKinney, age 74, of Athens (South Jackson Community), who passed away on Wednesday, April 23, 2008. Mr. McKinney was born on August 12, 1933 in Wilcox County, Georgia, a son to the late Lewis and Orene McGlamory McKinney. Mr. McKinney was a Farmer, an Agri-Businessman, and was a Veteran of the US Air-Force.

Mr. McKinney was a past Board Member for the following organizations, Jackson EMC serving for 20 years, Jackson County Planning Commission for 15 years, Atlanta Union Mission for 2 years, Jackson County Chamber of Commerce for 3 years, 4-H State Advisory Commission for 3 years, and Agricultural Economics Association. Mr. McKinney was a past President of the Jackson County Farm Bureau serving 20 years, a past President of the Jackson County Cattleman's Association, and a past District Vice-President of the UGA Alumni Society. Mr. McKinney was a past Board President, Elder and Men's Sunday School Teacher at Galilee Christian Church, past President and Chaplin of the Gideons, and a past President and Tail Twister of the Jefferson Lions Club.

In addition to his parents, Mr. McKinney was preceded in death by his sisters, Joan Arban and Eloise Blalock.

Survivors include his wife of 53 years, Betty McKinney of Athens; daughter, Gina McKinney of Athens; sons and daughters-in-law, Randy and Angela McKinney of Jefferson, Scott and Tammy McKinney of Jefferson; sisters, Neomi Helms of Rochelle and Martha Mays of Hawkinsville; brothers, Frank McKinney of Rochelle and Lewis McKinney Jr. of Tallahassee, Fla.; six grandchildren.

Funeral Services will be held on Saturday, April 26, 2008 at 11 a.m. in the Galilee Christian Church with Minister Tom Plank, Rev. Bill McKinney and Rev. Swayne Cochran officiating. The body will lie in state at 10:30AM in the church and the burial will follow in the Galilee Christian Church Cemetery. Serving as pallbearers will be Bobby McKinney, Benny McKinney, Tracey Mays, Wade Helms, Lane Barker and Jeff Helms. Visitation will be held Friday evening from 5 - 8 p.m. at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Gideons, P.O. Box 755, Jefferson, GA 30549, or the Galilee Christian Church Building Fund, 2191 Galilee Church Rd., Jefferson, GA 30549.

Evans Funeral Home, Jefferson, has charge of arrangements. Online condolences at www.evansfuneralhomeinc.com

Published in the Athens Banner-Herald on 4/25/2008.