William Mendell McKinney

William Mendell McKinney was born on July 27, 1957, to John and Helen Cofer McKinney in Augusta, Georgia. He was predeceased by his father, John Julius McKinney, Sr. (1959), mother, Helen Cofer McKinney Bard (2018), and stepfather, Raymond C. Bard (2003). He leaves behind his loving partner of 29 years, Michael Chandler, and his brother, John McKinney (Ursula Shaw), and many nieces and nephews.

Bill received his Associate of Science and Bachelor of Business Administration at Georgia State University. He received a Bachelor of Science in Aviation Administration from Embry Riddle Aeronautical University. Additionally, Bill learned to speak German fluently early on to advance his career through the Goethe-Zentrum Institute of Atlanta.

Bill was a loyal Delta employee for over 34 years; he started out on the ramps in Augusta, GA, and then became a flight attendant. Most recently, Bill worked in his retirement years with Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, where he helped the parents of those children who were in the hospital.

Bill was a passionate, life-long learner. He always tried to help others who could not or did not have the resources or opportunities when he saw drive and potential in someone. His sense of humor, wit, and engaging personality made Bill a delight to be around; he was incredibly intelligent and he was an excellent listener and a compassionate soul. Bill possessed the rare combination of respecting all others, maintaining a positive attitude in all things, and an incredibly strong work ethic; he believed in showing up when he was supposed to-Bill's commitment to all things and his word meant everything.

Bill knew something about everything and would always seek to find the facts - so he knew what he was talking about, and yet, never talked down to anyone. He could easily recollect historic events and things he learned in school. He was a great storyteller that would captivate any listener as if they were there.

While Bill was not sports fan, he and Mike shared a joke with a few close friends. They would ask if Bill saw "the football game yesterday?" He would joke and say, is that with the people who throw the ball or swing that bat thing?" Bill loved classic 70's disco music and videos. He LOVED traveling and visiting Europe especially. Bill and Mike traveled on many trips together, and he would light up when getting on ANY Airplane. He loved aviation (which was his biggest hobby). Bill and one of his beloved friends, Doug, would talk for hours about the different plane types, engines, galleys, and so on. He was truly a genius when it came to aircraft and airlines. Some of Bill's favorite vacation spots were Berlin (or any part of Germany) and Puerto Vallarta.

Bill lived through the AIDs pandemic and lost many friends to the disease. Bill became an advocate for AIDs charities and delivered food to people with AIDs through Meals on Wheels in Atlanta. Bill would always help those in need when he could. Bill volunteered with Project Open Hands and was a member of the Defense Force for 6-8 years.

Bill was an engaging communicator. He tried to find one thing or even one person in a room and engage them in conversation. Bill always made you feel part of any conversation, tried to be positive in any situation, and made others feel at ease when needed. A true Leo, Bill, was protective of Mike, his family, and friends. Bill will be very much missed by his family and friends.