Oliver Ocie McKinney was born October 21, 1942, in Bartlesville, OK, to Ceonia McKinney and Vinna Hancox. Oliver’s mother, Vinna Hancox, married Thomas James Garrett, Sr., who provided a loving home in San Diego where Oliver grew up. Oliver was called to eternal rest on April 16, 2024.
Oliver graduated from San Diego High School. He attended Oregon State University in Corvallis, OR. He graduated in 1965 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering.
Oliver married Edwina Lois Hill in 1965. To this union, his first son, Matthew McKinney, was born. His second marriage was to Eunice McKinney. His third marriage was to Nora Banks and to this union his second son, Michael McKinney, was born. Oliver met his soulmate, Sandra Davenport, in 2020 and their relationship lasted until the end of his life.
Oliver was a kind and loving free spirit, an avid traveler, reader, and writer. He had many professional jobs throughout his career, including many confidential government assignments in various countries. He lived in San Diego, Ghana, Jamaica, Figi, Panama, Australia, India, Dominican Republic, Long Beach, Pasadena and Moreno Valley.
Oliver showed an unwavering commitment and unconditional love for his family. He was a humanitarian at heart to many causes.
He was preceded in death by his fathers; Ceonia McKinney and Thomas J. Garrett Sr., mother Vinna Hancox Garrett, brothers; Edward Lee Johnson, Thomas Garrett, Clifford Garrett, Darrell Garrett, Freddie Garrett, and Lawrence McKinney, sister Evelyn Johnson, and his second wife Eunice McKinney.
Oliver left to cherish his memory his sons; Matthew McKinney, Michael McKinney, and Isaac Banks, daughter Ojeya Banks, granddaughters; Riahleen McKinney, Mya Collazo, and Awa Banks, brothers; Amos Johnson and Sterling Garrett (Debbie), sisters; Eunice (Gloria) Johnson (Wyatt), Sherry McKinney, Marilyn McKinney-Baker, and Brenda Lancaste, as well as a plethora of beloved nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. He will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved him.
Oliver’s wonderful spirit, joy, and talents will be celebrated Saturday, June 29, 2024, at
Paradise Village, 2700 E Fourth Street, National City, CA 91950, promptly at 12 Noon.
To prepare adequately for the repass, we need an approximate head count. Please RSVP for you and/or your family who will attend to [email protected] OR call Darlean McKinney-McClure at (559) 827-9013. In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting that donations be made to the Jackie Robinson YMCA in San Diego. Cards and donations can be forwarded to Amos Johnson, c/o Paradise Village.
