Thomas McKinney Obituary

Thomas Ray McKinney, beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, and dedicated community leader, passed away peacefully on March 31, 2026, leaving behind a legacy of service, leadership, and devotion to family.

Ray was born on September 7, 1944, in Greenville, South Carolina. He attended Emory University beginning in 1962, where he formed lifelong friendships and met the love of his life, Cathleen Louise Morrow. The two married in June 1966, beginning a remarkable 59-year partnership built on love, commitment, and shared purpose.

Following his graduation from Emory University in May 1966, Ray joined the United States Air Force through the Officer Training School (OTS) program. He served as a Missile Combat Crew Commander in the Titan II missile program in Tucson, Arizona, carrying out his duties during the Vietnam War.

After his military service, Ray built a distinguished career spanning nearly 40 years in employee retirement benefits, investment management, personal trust, and wealth management. He retired from Wachovia Bank, N.A. in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, in 2006. During his tenure, he established the Institutional Trust and Retirement Services Group and held several senior leadership roles, including Chief Administrative Officer of Wachovia Asset Management, Head of Institutional Client Services, and Chief Operating Officer of Calibre, Wachovia's family office operations.

In retirement, Ray devoted himself wholeheartedly to community service in Winston-Salem. He served as Chairman of the Capital Campaign for Second Harvest Food Bank of Northwest North Carolina and as a cabinet member for Winston-Salem Industries for the Blind. He was a member of the Board of Directors for Family Services and served as Chairman of the Board for Catholic Social Services of the Piedmont Triad.

Ray and Cathleen were deeply committed to philanthropic causes and together co-chaired the 2004 American Heart Association of Forsyth County Heart Ball. Ray also served on the Winston-Salem Symphony Board of Directors, as Chair of its Development Committee as well as Chair of the Board. A passionate advocate for the arts, he was active with the North Carolina Arts Council and served on the Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Arts Council Endowment Board. He also contributed his leadership as a campaign cabinet member and division chair for both the Arts Council and Reynolda House Museum of American Art in support of building its new museum wing. Additionally, he was a member of the Kate B. Reynolds Charitable Trust Trustee Advisory Council.

In 2019, Ray and Cathleen moved to River Landing at Sandy Ridge in Colfax, North Carolina, where he quickly became an active member of the community. He served a term on the Residents Council and was instrumental in the creation of a community dog park, helping foster a welcoming, dog-friendly environment. Ray was a familiar and friendly presence, often seen walking his two beloved Goldendoodles, Jake and Maggie.

Ray and Cathleen built a full and meaningful life together, raising three children and living in Texas, Arizona, California, Alabama, and Georgia, before settling in Winston Salem, North Carolina.

Ray is survived by his devoted wife of 59 years, Cathleen Louise Morrow McKinney; his children, Carolyn Zimmerman (Jonathan Zimmerman) of Hickory, North Carolina; Michael McKinney (Karen McKinney) of Southwick, Massachusetts; and Erin Johnson (Steven Johnson) of Greensboro, North Carolina. He is also survived by his cherished grandchildren: Sara Markov (Alex Markov) of Charlotte, North Carolina; Elizabeth Suttles (Andrej Suttles) of Greenville, South Carolina; Brantley Ramseur of Durham, North Carolina; Spencer Ramseur of Hickory, North Carolina; Charlotte Zimmerman of Hickory, North Carolina; Ryan McKinney of Union City, New Jersey; Emily McKinney of Waialua, Hawaii; Emma-Claire Johnson of Greensboro, North Carolina; and Nolan Johnson of Greensboro, North Carolina; as well as four great-grandchildren: Aidan Markov, Theodore Markov, Paxton Suttles, and Olivia Suttles.

Ray is preceded in death by his parents Walter Ray McKinney and Lucy Corine Scott McKinney of Atlanta, Georgia. His only surviving sibling is Elizabeth "Libby" Davidson of Nashville, Georgia.

Funeral Services will be held at 11:30 AM on Thursday, April 9, at Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church in High Point, North Carolina. All are welcome to attend a reception at River Landing at Sandy Ridge following the Funeral Mass. A private family inurnment ceremony is planned at Salem Cemetery in Winston Salem, North Carolina.

He will be remembered for his steady character, generous spirit, his love of music and art, and having never met a stranger; his unwavering dedication to his family, community, and the causes he held dear.

In lieu of flowers the family is asking for monetary donations to the Second Harvest Food Bank of Northwest NC at https://www.secondharvestnwnc.org/

Condolences may be shared on Ray's tribute page at www.cumbyfuneral.com. Cumby Family Funeral Service in High Point is serving the McKinney family.